India’s triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 will be remembered as a significant milestone in the nation’s cricketing history, ending an 11-year drought of ICC trophies. The Men in Blue clinched the coveted title by defeating South Africa in a thrilling encounter at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, marking an emotional moment for Indian cricket fans worldwide.
Under the astute leadership of Rohit Sharma and guided by head coach Rahul Dravid, India navigated through the tournament undefeated, showcasing exceptional teamwork and skill. This victory not only brought joy to millions but also marked the end of several personal journeys within the Indian cricket fraternity.
While the spotlight naturally shines on the players who took the field, there were three notable individuals in India’s squad who, despite not getting a chance to play, played crucial roles behind the scenes.
Let’s take a closer look at these three players who contributed to India’s triumph in T20 World Cup in ways beyond the boundary ropes:
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, the talented 22-year-old opener, earned his maiden T20I World Cup call-up on the back of impressive performances in the IPL. He had already showcased his potential in 17 T20I matches, including a century and four half-centuries, raising expectations for him to partner Rohit Sharma at the top of the order. However, due to team strategy, Virat Kohli was chosen as Rohit’s opening partner throughout the tournament, denying Jaiswal a chance to showcase his skills on the world stage.
2. Sanju Samson:
Sanju Samson, known for his batting prowess and wicket-keeping skills, earned his place in the T20 World Cup squad after standout performances in IPL 2024. Despite featuring in the warm-up match against Bangladesh, Samson didn’t get an opportunity to play in any of the main matches. With Rishabh Pant assuming the role of the first-choice wicketkeeper, Samson had to wait for his chance throughout the tournament.
3. Yuzvendra Chahal:
Yuzvendra Chahal, the seasoned leg-spinner, returned to the Indian T20I squad after a stint of ups and downs. His selection was based on consistent performances for Rajasthan Royals in recent IPL seasons. Despite his experience and skills, Chahal did not feature in any match during the T20 World Cup 2024, with other spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav getting the nod ahead of him.
Contributions Beyond the Field in T20 World Cup:
Although these players didn’t get an opportunity to showcase their talents on the field during the tournament, their presence in the squad was instrumental. Their dedication, hard work, and support in practice sessions, team meetings, and overall squad dynamics contributed significantly to maintaining a competitive edge throughout the tournament.
As India celebrates this historic victory, it’s important to acknowledge the contributions of every member of the squad, including those who didn’t feature in matches but played crucial roles behind the scenes. Their commitment to the team’s success exemplifies the spirit of unity and resilience that defined India’s journey to reclaiming ICC T20 World Cup glory after more than a decade.
While the heroes on the field lifted the trophy, the collective effort of the entire squad, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Yuzvendra Chahal, played an integral part in India’s triumphant campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
