"He has taught us how to stay calm under pressure": Suryakumar Yadav on Rohit Sharma's captaincy

New Delhi [India], July 3 (ANI): Following the ICC T20 World Cup title win, star India batter Suryakumar Yadav heaped praise on right-hand batter Rohit Sharma saying that the 37-year-old has taught the whole team how to stay calm under pressure.
The Men in Blue got hold of the prestigious T20 WC trophy for the second time, defeating South Africa by seven runs in Barbados on Saturday. Rohit announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game after winning the T20 World Cup final.
"He has taught us all how to stay calm under pressure while he himself stayed calm right through. He told us not to think too far ahead of ourselves. We even had a motto- Keep your mind where your feet is. Rohit gave us this and it meant we shouldn't think about the Super 8 or semi-final or final. We needed to take things one step at a time. He showed us how to bat in this format and after the 2023 World Cup where he batted brilliantly, he did so once again. The truth is if I start speaking about Rohit I will need days if not weeks to do so," Suryakumar told RevSportz.
Suryakumar was one of the stars for India during the World Cup, contributing 199 runs in eight games at an average of 28.42, with two half-centuries and some other fine contributions in tough matches. His contribution also included some stunning catches through the tournament.
During the last over of the final, David Miller, known to deliver clutch, breakthrough and match-winning performances for the Proteas, attempted a big shot when 16 runs were needed from six balls. However, the ball found Suryakumar Yadav near the boundary, who plucked a remarkable catch, first catching the ball and putting it in the air, crossing the boundary and returning inside quickly to complete the catch. The catch was crucial to turn the match in India's favour and the South African batter was out for 21 runs. The Men in Blue captured their second ICC T20 World Cup title with a seven-run win.
In the ICC T20 WC 2024, Rohit scored 257 runs at a strike rate of 156.7 and smashed three fifties after playing all the matches of the tournament. Rohit embraced India's new approach in T20Is and showed the way with his brilliant ball striking. The India skipper showed consistency as well while maintaining a brilliant strike-rate.
In the final match of the tournament, India won the toss and opted to bat first. After being reduced to 34/3, a counter-attacking partnership between Virat (76) and Axar Patel (47 in 31 balls, with one four and four sixes) of 72 runs restored India's position in the game. A 57-run stand between Virat and Shivam Dube (27 in 16 balls, with three fours and a six) took India to 176/7 in their 20 overs.
Keshav Maharaj (2/23) and Anrich Nortje (2/26) were the top bowlers for South Africa. Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram took a wicket each.
In the run chase of 177 runs, Proteas were reduced to 12/2 and then a 58-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (39 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Tristan Stubbs (31 in 21 balls, with three fours and a six) brought them back into the game. A half-century by Heinrich Klaasen (52 in 27 balls, with two fours and five sixes) threatened to take the game away from India. However, Arshdeep Singh (2/18), Jasprit Bumrah (2/20) and Hardik (3/20) made a fine comeback in death overs, restricting South Africa 169/8 in their 20 overs.
Virat secured the 'Player of the Match' for his performance. India ended their ICC title drought which lasted nearly 11 years. (ANI)