The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, clinched the T20 World Cup 2024 in a thrilling final against South Africa, winning by 7 runs and ending an eleven years ICC trophy drought. The victory, celebrated at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, saw players and fans alike overcome with emotion.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s raw emotions
Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared a deeply emotional moment on Ashwin’s YouTube channel following the win. Both struggled to control their tears as they reflected on the significance of the victory. Ashwin highlighted the full-circle moment, noting the challenges and near misses of the past years, especially for key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
“Unbelievable. I have watched cricket through the years, I have played it, I have won trophies such as the World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013. But, the way that the players emoted upon winning, what it meant to them all, with Dravid bowing out in 2007 to Rohit and Virat coming so close to winning multiple titles, it was truly a full circle moment without any doubt,” Ashwin said.
Also WATCH: Rahul Dravid asks for a ‘job’ as he signs off as India’s coach with T20 World Cup 2024 win
Robin Uthappa’s emotional tribute
Uthappa, part of the 2007 team that faced a disappointing exit in the ODI World Cup, nearly choked up as he expressed his emotions. He spoke about the players’ resilience in the face of criticism and self-doubt, acknowledging their perseverance and the magnitude of their achievement.
“Had you talked to me 20 minutes earlier, I would have been in tears. I was so full of emotion, thinking about each individual player and what they had been through. To have put with the criticism, the trolling, to go through the struggles and hardships and hate, is not easy,” Uthappa said.
“For people to keep continually doubting your ability, you begin to doubt yourself at some point and you being to ask yourself, “Is it possible?” I could feel every person’s emotion so strongly. I cried for each of them after their victory. I thanked God, and I now thank every cricketer who’s played for India. This win was so long in the making,” Uthappa stated.
“Look at Rahul Dravid’s career, as a coach and as a player. Think about how many years he’s played. And in his last game as the coach and possibly his last day of ever being associated with the BCCI, that is the day he finally gets his first trophy,” Uthappa concluded.
Here’s the video:
Have never seen @ashwinravi99 emotional, to see him controlling his tears while @robbieuthappa was summing up the pain and emotions of Indian Cricket Fans through all these years is truly moving.
Uthappa reflected our emotions very well with just one word RELIEF.
It is… pic.twitter.com/uyJ5DPcOTn— Arvinth Easwaran (@arvinth_e) June 30, 2024
Nationwide celebrations over India’s victory
The triumph sparked nationwide celebrations in India, with fans taking to the streets to rejoice into the early hours. The Indian film industry were also vocal in celebrating this historical triumph. The team’s undefeated campaign and ultimate victory have etched this moment into the annals of Indian cricket history, marking a new era of success and fulfillment for the Men in Blue.
Also WATCH: Indian players lift coach Rahul Dravid after T20 World Cup title victory in Barbados
