With South Africa chasing India’s total of 177, the Men in Blue found themselves under intense pressure. Heinrich Klaasen was leading South Africa’s charge, and the game seemed to be slipping away with just 26 runs needed from 24 balls. That’s when Pant, standing behind the stumps, decided to disrupt the Proteas’ momentum.
Pant’s Clever Move
Reflecting on the moment, Pant shared during an interview:
“Suddenly momentum shift ho gaya tha, 2-3 over mein bahut zyaada run aa gaye they. Toh yehi soch raha tha aisa moment kab aayega jab aap World Cup final jeet rahe ho. Main yeh nahin kehta ki har baar kaam karta hai. Par aise moment pe agar kaam kar jaaye, toh kya chahiye.”
(The momentum had suddenly shifted, with a lot of runs coming in 2-3 overs. I was thinking, when will such a moment come again where you’re winning the World Cup final? I’m not saying it works every time, but in such moments, if it works, what more could you ask for?)
Pant called for the physio, faking a knee injury in an attempt to slow down the game and break South Africa’s rhythm. His tactic worked as Klaasen, who had been smashing runs freely, lost his flow. Upon the resumption of play, Hardik Pandya struck immediately, removing Klaasen for 52 off 27 balls, a pivotal moment that helped India regain control.
India’s Hard-Fought Victory
While Pant’s “fake injury” is now being discussed as a key moment, India’s bowlers, particularly Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, delivered under pressure. Pandya’s dismissal of Klaasen and later David Miller in the final over ensured India’s seven-run victory, marking their second T20 World Cup triumph.
This World Cup was particularly special for Pant, marking his return to international cricket after recovering from a serious accident in 2022. Throughout the tournament, he played a crucial role, scoring 171 runs in eight innings, significantly contributing to India reaching the final.
The Strategic Mastermind
Pant’s decision to slow down the game may have been controversial, but it proved effective at a crucial moment. The strategy has sparked conversations about whether such tactics are fair in high-pressure matches or whether they cross a line. Nonetheless, in a World Cup final, such fine margins can make all the difference.
India’s victory was also significant in ending a decade-long ICC trophy drought, cementing the team’s status as champions on the global stage.
Rishabh Pant on his fake injury in the World Cup Final 🤣
What a day! Also got a group photo with Rishabh Pant where I’m standing right next to him 🤩. pic.twitter.com/nrLG5o5xba
— Naman 🏏 (@Mr_unknown23_) October 11, 2024
