Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma recently shared an interesting behind-the-scenes story about how wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant played a crucial role in disrupting South Africa’s rhythm during the T20 World Cup 2024 final. With the match heading towards a tense finish, South Africa needed just 30 runs off 30 balls, and the momentum seemed to be in their favor. However, Pant’s quick thinking turned the tide.
Rohit Sharma’s ‘Fake Injury’ Claim
Pant appeared to have injured his knee, halting the game while the physio came onto the field to treat him. Rohit later revealed that this unexpected pause helped slow down the game, ultimately shifting the momentum back in India’s favor. India went on to secure a remarkable victory and lift the title.
Breaking his silence on the incident, Pant shared his side of the story in a viral video, confirming that the delay was part of his strategy. He explained, “I was thinking about it because suddenly the momentum shifted, and South Africa had scored a lot of runs in 2-3 overs. I thought, when will I get another chance like this – playing in a World Cup final? So, I told the physio to take his time, keep wasting time.”
RISHABH PANT – THE MOMENTUM BREAKER…!!! 😄👌
Pant narrated the story behind his injury during the T20 World Cup final when SA needed 26 from 24. [Star Sports] pic.twitter.com/7AeyHAnzdF
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 12, 2024
He continued, “The physio kept asking if I was okay, and I told him I was just acting. In such match situations, it doesn’t always work, but sometimes it does. And if it works in a moment like that, you don’t need anything else.”
Rohit had previously recounted the moment during an episode of ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’, explaining how the tactic helped break South Africa’s momentum. “When South Africa needed 30 runs off 30 balls, there was a small break. Pant used his intelligence to pause the game – he had a knee injury and had it taped, which slowed down the game. At that moment, the batter wants the ball to be bowled quickly, but we needed to break their rhythm. I was setting the field when suddenly I saw Pant on the ground, with the physiotherapist taping his knee. Klassen was waiting for the match to resume. I’m not saying this was the only reason, but Pant used his smarts, and it worked in our favor.”
This smart move by Pant, combined with India’s overall performance, contributed to a thrilling victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 final.
