India’s T20 World Cup triumph in June 2023 was a thrilling affair, with the team overcoming a daunting challenge against South Africa in the final. However, a lesser-known story from that match, revealed by Rohit Sharma on ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show,’ sheds light on a clever tactic employed by wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant that played a crucial role in turning the game in India’s favor.
As South Africa chased India’s challenging total of 176, Heinrich Klaasen’s blistering knock of 52 from 27 balls brought them to the brink of victory. With South Africa needing 26 runs from 24 balls, the momentum seemed to be slipping away from India.
However, Pant’s quick thinking and strategic delay in proceedings proved to be a game-changer. Pretending to have a knee niggle, Pant called for the physio and had his knee taped, effectively halting the game’s progress.
Rohit Sharma believes this tactic worked in India’s favor, as it disrupted Klaasen’s rhythm and gave India a chance to regroup. “At that moment, the batter wants the ball to be bowled quickly because he is in flow. We needed to break the rhythm,” Rohit explained.
After the resumption of play, Hardik Pandya dismissed Klaasen with the very next ball, bringing India back into the contest. David Miller’s dismissal soon after further boosted India’s chances, and they eventually clinched the victory in the final over.
While Rohit Sharma acknowledges that Pant’s ploy may not have been the sole reason for India’s triumph, he believes it played a significant role in breaking South Africa’s momentum and giving India a fighting chance.
