T20 World Cup 2024: Rohit Sharma pats Virat Kohli’s back after three boundaries in first over of Final

Virat Kohli. (Source – Getty Images)

India took on South Africa in the Final of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29. India won the toss and opted to bat first. As Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma walked in to open the innings a lot was riding on the former to deliver after a dismal tournament with the bat. Kohli took on Marco Jansen and smashed three boundaries in the usual touch.

Rohit who was at the non-striker’s end walked up to the batter and tapped his back in acknowledgement a sign of backing the cricketer to break out of the struggling phase. The India captain had exuded confidence in the 36-year-old to deliver in the Final after he had scored just 75 runs in eight games. He showed belief in the quality of the former India captain after India won the semifinal against England on June 27.

“He (Kohli) is a quality player. Any player can go through that. We understand his class and his importance. Form is never a problem. The intent is there. Absolutely (backing Kohli for the final),” said Rohit in the post-match press conference.

Here’s the moment of Rohit patting Kohli’s back:

Keshav Maharaj pulls back South Africa with two wickets in an over

After India were off to a great start against South Africa, Keshav Maharaj put pressure back on India by picking two wickets in the second over of the powerplay. Maharaj was hit for two consecutive boundaries by Rohit and the India opener holed out to Heinrich Klaasen trying to sweep one. Rishabh Pant nicked one to the keeper trying to sweep the second ball he was facing and India were left reeling on 23 for 2.