Ravi Shastri Calls Match Referee "Punching Bag" Ahead Of South Africa vs India T20 World Cup Final

29.06.2024 - 15:55 sports.ndtv.com

Ravi Shastri loves to hype up the toss time of a match, and on the occasion of the 2024 T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa, it was no different.

Shastri was at his brilliant best at the toss, ramping up the atmosphere, making it seem like a boxing encounter. However, a cheeky reference from the former India coach sent the two captains, Rohit Sharma and Aiden Markram, into laughter.

Shastri called the match referee a 'punching bag'. Often on the big occasions, things get heated up, causing players to run to the match referee.

Shastri played on the context for his hilarious reference. "West Indies' very own, to keep things calm, under control, and a potential punching bag," said Shastri to introduce Richie Richardson, the match referee of the T20 World Cup final.

cricket South Africa Cricket Team India Cricket Team T20 World Cup 2024 Aiden Markram Rohit Sharma Ravi Shastri South Africa India

India skipper Rohit Sharma opened up on his thought process during the final few overs of the thrilling ICC T20 World Cup final against South Africa, in which Men in Blue defeated Proteas to end their 11-year wait for a major title. The Indian skipper, who retired from T20Is just after the victory, was speaking at an event in Dallas. During the game, India was in a huge trouble while defending 177 against a highly-attacking Proteas batting unit. The 15th over bowled by Axar Patel saw him being dismantled by Heinrich Klaasen and smashed for 24 runs, leaving India with just 30 runs to defend in 30 balls. But from then on, the trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh unleashed a brilliant pace-choke, while also taking crucial wickets. Pandya secured the crucial wicket of Klaasen in the 17th over, while a fine catch from Suryakumar Yadav at long-off in the final over saw him get the prized scalp of David Miller, when India needed to defend 16 runs in six balls. Pacers brought India into the game with a death-over masterclass and Proteas was left seven runs short of the target.

Not His Catch, Suryakumar Yadav Picks Two Moments From T20 World Cup Final He Will Always Remember

Suryakumar Yadav's incredible catch at long-off to dismiss David Miller in the first ball of the final over was the defining moment in India's last-gasp win over South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Speaking on the aftermath of the Final, the world's No. 1 T20I batter did not take the credit all by himself. Instead, Suryakumar Yadav - fondly known as SKY - hailed the team talks given by Indian captain Rohit Sharma and outgoing Head Coach Rahul Dravid, which motivated the side to victory.

Watch: Suryakumar Yadav Recalls T20 World Cup Final Catch. PM Narendra Modi's Reaction Goes Viral

Suryakumar Yadav's catch in the final over of the T20 World Cup final will go down the annals of Indian cricketing history as one of the seminal moments of the triumphant journey. During an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the team's triumphant return home, Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) revealed what had helped him keep calm in that situation. “At that moment I did not think that I would catch it, I was thinking I'd push the ball in and save the boundary because the wind was also against me. Once I had the ball in my hand I thought I'd throw it the other side but Rohit bhai was too far at that time so I threw it in the air and caught it," he said. “We have practised a lot for such situations as I think that I already do batting but where else can I contribute to the team,” said Yadav to the Hon'ble Prime Minister.

Unseen Video Of Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma Moment At Start Of T20 World Cup Final Is Viral

Star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their shock retirements from the format after helping India win their second T20 World Cup last month in Barbados. During the post-match presentation-ceremony, Kohli insisted that the T20 World Cup final against South Africa will be his last for India in the format, adding that "it's time for the next generation" to take over. A few hours later, India captain Rohit Sharma, during a press conference, decided to bid adieu to the format. Both, however, will continue to play for India in longer formats.

'Thought It Was Chaseable': "Gutted" Aiden Markram After South Africa's Loss In T20 World Cup Final

"Gutted" and "hurt" after South Africa's heartbreak in the T20 World Cup final, skipper Aiden Markram was aware that they could have won the game against India while hunting down 177, which they felt was a "chasable total". South Africa stood so close to the trophy yet ended up so far. They had a sniff at lifting their World Cup trophy when the equation read 26 runs needed in the final four overs. With Heinrich Klaasen bossing the spinners and David Miller waiting to open his arms on the other end, victory seemed just moments away from South Africa's grasp.

How India Defeated South Africa In T20 World Cup 2024 Final - Five Turning Points

The Indian cricket team ended their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy after they defeated South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 final at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on June 29, 2024. India and South Africa named an unchanged playing XI after captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first. India got off to a flying start as openers Rohit and Virat Kohli added 23 runs before Keshav Maharaj removed the Indian captain (9) in the second over.