Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu lauded star India batter Virat Kohli for his match-winning knock in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 against South Africa. After managing just 75 runs in the first seven innings of the competition, Virat stepped up when it mattered the most, scoring 76 in 59 balls, with six fours and two sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 128.81. His score guided India to 176/7 in their 20 overs, which India defended successfully, restricting SA to 169/8 in a thriller.

Speaking on Star Sports, Sidhu said about Virat, “When it mattered the most, when 1.5 billion Indians were praying for victory and hoping that we do not choke at the final hurdle, he stood like the rock of Gibraltar in the Sea of Ruins. He kept one end intact and delivered the World Cup crown by performing when India’s ship was stuck.”

Sidhu noted that during the tournament, Virat did not let the run-rate drop even once and would be remembered as an “icon and the greatest inspiration” following his T20I retirement.

“In this tournament, even when he scored 38 and 24, he didn’t let the run rate drop. There was a different kind of Virat. Virat Kohli, a man of adversity, a man of masses, a master performer, a genius. For me, he will always be remembered as an icon, as the greatest inspiration, and above all, a cup of joy for billions and billions who watch cricket all over,” he said.

Virat ended the 2024 edition of the tournament with 151 runs in eight innings at an average of 18.87 and a strike rate of 112.68, with one fifty.

In 35 T20 World Cup matches, Virat has scored 1,292 runs at an average of 58.72 and a strike rate of 128.81, with 15 half-centuries. His best score is 89*. He is the highest run-scorer in the history of the T20 World Cup.

In 125 T20I matches, Virat scored 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04. He scored a century and 38 fifties and a best score of 122*. He ends the format as the second-highest run-getter of all time.

Coming to the match, 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 SA. Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram took a wicket each.

In the run chase of 177 runs, Proteas was reduced to 12/2, but 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 back SA 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 Pandya (3/20) made a fine comeback in the death overs, keeping SA to 169/8 in their 20 overs.

Virat secured the ‘Player of the Match’ for his performance. Now, by securing their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013, India has ended their ICC trophy drought.

Navjot Singh Sidhu poked fun at Arshdeep Singh ahead of the T20 World Cup final.© X (Twitter)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) bagged six wins on the trot to reach Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs but were undone by Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator on Wednesday. The elimination meant that it was the same old story for the Bengaluru franchise, that has failed to bag an IPL title for 17 seasons in a row. Seeing RCB bow out of the competition, former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu analysed the team’s campaign in his own ‘poetic’ style, with some special words for Virat Kohli too.

Kohli ended the campaign with over 700 runs to his name, while also holding the Orange Cap which will most likely remain on his head by the time the tournament concludes. Sidhu, in a video shared by Star Sports, admitted that it was the battle of survival between RCB and RR, where Sanju Samson‘s team emerged victorious.

“Aar paar ki ladai thi, jeevan Maran ki ladai thi, swabhimaan ki ladai thi aur astitva ki ladai thi. Yahan doosra mauka nahi milega. Aapne kitne saare mauke gawaye hain aur uski wajah se Rajasthan Royals are deserved winner. Aur Kohli ka dil bada hai dost! Iss babbar sher ke andar dil ek boht bada hai. Dariya ke jaisa behta hai. Mubarakbaad dete hue. Deserved winners kehte hue. Prayas poora kiya lekin kuch cheezen aapke bas ke bahar hain (It was a battle for survival, a battle for self-respect, a battle for existence where no second chance was available. You wasted all opportunities, and hence, Rajasthan Royals were deserved winners. But, Virat Kohli’s heart is huge. He congratulated the opponents, lauded them for their deserved win. He tried everything he could but some things are outside your control),” he said in the video.

“Aar paar ki ladai thi, jeevan maran ki ladai thi, swabhimaan ki ladai thi aur astitva ki ladai thi”, @sherryontopp lauds @rajasthanroyals‘ performance in the Eliminator against @RCBTweets!

Expect more gold-class Sidhuism from the Sardar of the commentary box, as Hyderabad faces… pic.twitter.com/dmIoAtJr40

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 23, 2024

To conclude, Sidhu had no qualms in admitting that RCB ‘choked’ yet again, as their trophy-less continues in IPL.

“What cannot be cured has got to be endured. RCB raafta raafta chalte gaye aur ant me aa ke, they choked (RCB progressed step by step and choked in the end),” Sidhu had further said.

Sanju Samson having a discussion with the umpire during IPL 2024 match© AFP