MS Dhoni pens down emotional message as India lifts T20 World Cup 2024

Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni congratulated the Indian cricket team for winning the 2024 T20 World Cup after their thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in Barbados on Saturday.

Dhoni, who led India to their first T20 World Cup victory in 2007 against Pakistan, as well as the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, expressed immense pride in the team’s achievement.

“World Cup Champions 2024. My heart rate was up, well done on being calm, having the self belief and doing what you guys did. From all the Indians back home and everywhere in the world a big thank you for bringing the World Cup home. Thanks for the priceless birthday gift," Dhoni wrote on his Instagram.

In the final match, South Africa, chasing a target of 177, fell short by just seven runs. Despite valiant efforts from Quinton de Kock, who scored 39 off 31 balls, and Heinrich Klaasen, who hit 52 off 27 balls, they couldn't overcome the Indian bowling attack.

India’s innings began with a shaky start after captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Early wickets saw Rohit, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav return to the pavilion quickly. However, Virat Kohli, who had struggled throughout the tournament, played a crucial knock, scoring 76 runs off 59 balls to help India set a total of 176 for 7.

After the match, Kohli, who was awarded Player of the Match, announced his retirement from T20 internationals, marking the end of a remarkable career that began in 2010. Over his T20I career, Kohli played 125 matches, scoring 4,188 runs at an impressive average of 48.69.

This victory marks India’s second T20 World Cup win, the first being in 2007 under Dhoni’s captaincy. It also ends a long wait for an ICC trophy, with the last one being the 2013 Champions Trophy, again under Dhoni’s leadership.