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The 2024 T20 World Cup is down to the final stage, with India set to face South Africa in the summit clash at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Saturday, July 29.
While South Africa trashed Afghanistan by nine wickets in the first semi-final, India carried on their unbeaten run in this edition of the T20 World Cup by defeating the defending champions, England, in the second semi-final.
The match against England saw India posting a total of 171/7 on the board in their 20 overs, having lost the toss. The Indian bowlers rose to the occasion once again, bundling England out for just 103, winning the game by 68 runs eventually.
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While India's campaign at the 2024 T20 World Cup has been phenomenal, it is similar to their outing at the 2023 World Cup, where they lost the final to Australia after remaining undefeated in 10 matches.
Rohit and his men will have this at the back of their mind, as they look to wrap up a dream run on a perfect note. With yet another opportunity to end their ICC trophy draught, the champions from the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup (2007) will aim to win their second title.
One of the reasons behind India's brilliant run so far has been a clarity of role definition among players and each individual stepping up with performances in different phases of the tournament.
If India are to go ahead and beat the Proteas in the final, they will need all the 11 players who take the field to put their hands up and deliver under pressure. However, a few players have performed consistently throughout this World Cup and will be expected to do the same once again come the all-important final.
Here are three players who will be key to India winning the 2024 T20 World Cup final
#3 Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah has emerged as India's premier fast bowler in recent times, with his ability to perform in any given conditions against any opposition. He has been the spearhead of India's pace attack which has constantly been on the rise.
Speaking of his performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup, Bumrah is right up there once again. The pacer has picked up 13 wickets from seven matches so far. While Arshdeep Singh has more wickets (15) than Bumrah, it is the latter who has given India vital breakthroughs at crucial junctures.
Moreover, he has the best average among all the Indian fast bowlers in this tournament (8.15). Known for being economical while also picking up wickets, Bumrah has lived up to his standards, maintaining a wonderful economy of just 4.12. His experience of delivering under pressure will be vital if India are to beat South Africa and lift the title.
#2 Hardik Pandya
Despite facing all the criticism and the booing during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL 2024), Hardik Pandya has managed to put everything behind him and stage a comeback on the international level.
When needed the most, the all-rounder has proven himself both with the bat and the ball. Having an all-rounder is key and his performances have been crucial for India throughout this T20 World Cup.
Hardik has scored 139 runs from five innings at an average of 46.33 and a healthy strike-rate of 149.46. He scored an unbeaten half-century as well. Moreover, he put away the concerns that circled around his bowling. Pandya has carried the role of the third pacer quite well, picking up eight wickets with best figures of 3/27.
With India aiming to win the trophy, Hardik's contribution will be vital in the final.
#1 Rohit Sharma
A lot was riding on Rohit Sharma heading into the 2024 T20 World Cup — his form in the IPL, captaincy being taken away, and the pressure to end the ICC trophy draught.
However, the Indian captain has come out leading from the front, both as captain and player. He has amassed 248 runs in seven innings with an average of 41.33 and a strike rate of 155.97, having scored three half-centuries.
Rohit stepped when required the most, playing an important 92-run knock against Australia in their last Super 8 game, apart from his 39-ball 57 against England in the semi-final.
He will be the most desperate to lead India to an ICC title, and holds the key to their chances of winning the final.
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