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Xtra Time Web Desk:  India captain Rohit Sharma has shared insights into a clever strategy executed by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant that proved pivotal in India’s seven-run victory over South Africa in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. During an appearance on Netflix's *The Great Indian Kapil Show* alongside teammates Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh, Rohit recounted the high-stakes moments of the match.

Rohit described the tense atmosphere as South Africa appeared to be gaining control, stating, "They had a lot of wickets left and set batters were on the ground. We were feeling the tension, but a captain needs to maintain a strong front." He revealed a critical moment in the match when South Africa needed just 26 runs from 24 balls. Pant, recognizing the pressure, cleverly called for a break by feigning a knee injury, saying he needed to tape it up.

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Rohit Sharma said "South Africa needed 30 runs off 30 balls - there was a small break, Pant used his intelligence to pause the game - he had a knee injury, so he had his knee taped which helped slow down the game - because game was fast paced, at that moment the batter want the… pic.twitter.com/HDl1kJEuIX

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 5, 2024

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"This was a smart move," Rohit explained. "The batter wants the ball to be bowled quickly because he’s in flow. We needed to disrupt their rhythm." As Pant lay on the ground and the physio attended to him, Rohit was busy setting the field and strategizing with his bowlers.

Once play resumed, India struck back decisively. Hardik Pandya took the crucial wicket of Heinrich Klaasen on the very first ball of the 17th over, turning the tide in India’s favor. Klaasen had been in excellent form, having scored 52 runs off just 27 balls, and his dismissal was a significant blow to South Africa’s chase.

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Despite a strong start, South Africa faltered in the final overs, ultimately falling short at 169 runs, handing India their long-awaited ICC trophy. Rohit acknowledged Pant's quick thinking, saying, "I'm not saying that was the reason for the win, but it could be. Pant used his brains, and we won."