NEW DELHI:
India’s era of cricket dominance may have begun with their spectacular T20 World Cup triumph on Saturday, according to several former players.
India prevailed in an epic thriller against South Africa in Bridgetown to claim their second World Twenty20 trophy 17 years after winning the inaugural edition.
It was India’s first world title since winning the Champions Trophy in 2013, but their consistency in recent years has never been in doubt.
India have lost back-to-back Test World Cup finals in 2021 and 2023, while their only defeat in the 50-over World Cup at home last year came in the summit clash against Australia.
They ended that barren streak in International Cricket Council (ICC) matches on Saturday when India became the first team to win the T20 World Cup without losing in the tournament.
“I have a feeling this is a win for us,” former India champion Virender Sehwag wrote on X.
“For years, we’ve played well, we’ve been consistent in a range, steady, but we can’t cross the finish line,” he wrote. “With this win, I think we would win many ICC trophies consistently in the years to come.”
India’s resurgence follows the collapse of England’s white-ball dominance as the Jos Buttler-led side have now failed to defend two World Cup titles in eight months.
India seem to have inherited that mantle, believes former England bowler Steven Finn.
“India are formidable – they’ve covered all the bases in all conditions,” Finn told the BBC. “That experience could see them continue to dominate now. It’s an experience that will serve them well.”
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly predicted “they will win a lot more” after the success in the Caribbean.
Batting great Sachin Tendulkar said India’s fourth overall World Cup title in limited-overs cricket would be a major motivation for young talent in the country.
“Each star added to Team India’s jersey inspires starry-eyed kids of our country to take a step closer to their dreams. India gets 4th star, our second in @T20WorldCup,” Tendulkar wrote on X.
However, India’s dominance in the 20-over format should be under new leadership.
Captain Rohit Sharma and stalwart Virat Kohli bowed out of T20 Internationals after winning the World Cup, while it was also coach Rahul Dravid’s last game in charge of the side.
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