Kuldeep Yadav’s childhood coach Kapil Dev Pandey believes that Rohit Sharma-led Team India will bring the glory of the 2007 T20 World Cup back to India after 17 years of drought when they face South Africa in the final of Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday at Barbados.
India aim to reclaim the trophy that they last won in the inaugural 2007 edition while South Africa are into the final for the first time — after seven previous World Cup semifinal defeats across formats.
The two sides have met six times in the T20 World Cup in the history of the tournament with India having an upper hand in the head-to-head matchup.
India defeated England in the semi-finals by 68 runs and continued their eight-match unbeaten streak to face Proteas in the finals.
Speaking exclusively to IANS, Pandey remains optimistic of India winning the T20 World Cup, and stated that this iteration of the Indian cricket team is the best he’s seen face off in a final.
“India is performing exceptionally well and they have reached the final of the T20 World Cup after beating every team…This is the best Indian T20I team to reach the final and I firmly believe that this team will bring back the glory of 2007 T20 WC and end the drought of 17 years,” stated Pandey.
The Indian squad is undeniably stacked with talent, and one man who has made a difference with the ball has been none other than wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
Kuldeep, who was not utilised at all in the group stages in USA, has come into play since the Super Eight stages in the Caribbean.
His recent performance against England in the T20 World Cup semi-final was in fact a stand-out, with the spinner registering figures of 3/19, to help steer India to the final.
“Obviously, he(Kuldeep) is the backbone of the Indian team. He got the chance in the last four matches and has been performing very well. We all know what sort of player he is and I feel really proud to see him delivering for the country,” stated Kuldeep’s childhood coach.
Well, India will definitely be counting on the spinner and the rest of the squad to make the final push and clinch the elusive title, as they face off against an undefeated South Africa in the final today.
(with inputs from agencies)
Stay updated with the latest from T20 World Cup 2024. Explore T20 World Cup Match Today. Check Updated list of Highest-run getters and Highest Wicket-Takers In T20 World Cup 2024. Check T20 World Cup 2024 Points Table and players with the Most Sixes, Most Fours , Most Fifties And Most HundredsIn T20 World Cup 2024.
Comments
0 comment