NEW DELHI: The memory of Suryakumar Yadav's breathtaking catch at long-off, which scripted India's dramatic turnaround in the thrilling T20 World Cup final against South Africa in Barbados on June 29, will remain with the fans forever as it helped Rohit Sharma & Co clinch the trophy with a 7-run win, securing their second world title in the shortest format.
As the match seemed to slip away from India, Suryakumar's alertness, skill and athleticism turned the tide with his miraculous catch of David Miller, a pivotal moment that swung the game decisively in India's favour.
Needing 16 runs from the final over, with big-hitting David Miller facing Hardik Pandya, the tension was evident on every single player on the field. On the first ball of the over, Miller struck a wide full toss down the ground.
1/8:List of trophies won by Rohit Sharma
Getty Images2/8:T20 World Cup 2024
<p>T20 World Cup triumph was all the more remarkable given the scale of the competition, which featured a record 20 teams vying for the coveted title. Under Rohit's astute leadership, India emerged as the undisputed champions, cementing their dominance in the shortest format of the game</p><br /><br />PTI3/8:Rohit Sharma
<p>Rohit Sharma spearheaded an unstoppable Indian team to a historic victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. </p>AFP4/8:IPL Trophy
<p>Rohit Sharma has cemented his status as one of the most successful captains in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, leading his team to a remarkable five title wins. This impressive achievement puts him on par with the legendary MS Dhoni, who also boasts five IPL titles as captain. </p>Agencies5/8:Asia Cup
<p>Rohit Sharma led India to a resounding victory in two Asia Cup, clinching the title as captain and showcasing his leadership prowess. Under his guidance, the team displayed exceptional skill and teamwork, outperforming their opponents to emerge as champions.</p>Agencies6/8:Champions Trophy
<p>Rohit Sharma led the Mumbai Indians to a thrilling victory in the 2013 Champions League T20, clinching the title with a impressive performance. This triumph marked a significant milestone in Rohit's career, showcasing his leadership skills and ability to perform under pressure.</p>Agencies7/8:Champions League 2013
<p>Rohit Sharma's career as an opener began with a bang in the 2013 Champions Trophy, where he made a memorable debut in the role, helping India clinch the coveted title. His promotion to the top of the order proved to be a masterstroke, as he formed a formidable partnership with Shikhar Dhawan, and India went on to win the tournament, marking a triumphant start to Rohit's tenure as an opener.</p>Agencies8/8:T20 World Cup 2007
<p>A youthful Rohit Sharma was part of the Indian team that made history by winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. The tournament, which marked the debut of the T20 format on the global stage, saw India emerge as champions, and Rohit, then just starting his international career, played a vital role in the team's success.<br /></p>AgenciesIt looked to be heading for a six when Suryakumar came running across to his left on the edge of the boundary and managed to catch the ball, only to momentarily lob it back up in the air as he balanced himself over the boundary, and then re-entered the field to complete a stunning effort.
Upon returning to Mumbai and addressing the media, India captain Rohit Sharma humorously responded in Marathi when asked about Suryakumar's catch.
"Jaise ki Surya ne bola ki uske haath mei ball baitha. Accha hua ball Surya ke haath main baitha, warna aage jakar main usko bitha deta (like Surya mentioned the ball sat in his hand, good that it did otherwise I would have make him sit later," Rohit said.
Rohit announced his retirement from T20 internationals after guiding the team to their second T20 World Cup victory, describing it as the ideal moment to bid farewell to the format.
He joined his longtime teammate Virat Kohli, who also retired from T20Is shortly after India's seven-run victory over South Africa in the final.
Rohit concluded his T20I career with an impressive record of 4,231 runs from 159 matches, which included five centuries and 32 fifties.