India faced disappointment in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final against Australia in Ahmedabad, despite an undefeated streak in the preceding 10 games. Just two days later, the resilient Indian team quickly shifted their focus to the T20 World Cup 2024. Their immediate challenge was a 5-game series against Australia in Vizag.
In the first T20 of the series against Australia, led by Suryakumar Yadav, India chose to field after winning the toss. Facing a strong Australian batting lineup, wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis scored a century in just 47 balls, presenting a considerable challenge to the Indian bowlers. Despite Australia posting a formidable total of 208 runs, India, under Yadav’s leadership, demonstrated resilience and successfully chased down the target with just 1 ball to spare, achieving 209/8 in 19.5 overs—a historic victory for the Indian T20 side.
Suryakumar Yadav played a pivotal role in India’s triumph, contributing a rapid 80 runs off 42 balls, adorned with 9 fours and 4 sixes. His leadership on the field and aggressive batting set the stage for India’s victory.
As the game reached a critical moment, requiring 1 run off the last ball, the pressure was intense. Rinku Singh, India’s new finisher, took charge. With the field up and tension soaring, Singh hit a six over long-on, seemingly securing the win. However, a twist unfolded as it was revealed that Sean Abbott had bowled a front-foot no-ball.
Rinku Singh’s composure under pressure proved to be the game-changer. Known for his finishing skills in domestic cricket and the IPL, Singh’s calm demeanor was emphasized in his post-match statement. He disclosed seeking advice from the legendary MS Dhoni on handling the pressure of the final over in a chase.
Rinku Singh shared insights from a conversation with MS Dhoni, revealing Dhoni’s advice for handling the final over in a chase: remain calm and focus on hitting the ball straight. Singh has adopted this approach, emphasizing the importance of staying composed without showing reactions. This guidance proved crucial in Singh’s game-changing performance in IPL 2024, where he smashed five sixes in the last over to secure a memorable victory against the Gujarat Titans. Singh’s ability to shine in high-pressure situations was also evident in his standout innings against the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022, showcasing his immense potential as a finisher.
