Sourav Ganguly the former Indian captain feared that Rohit Sharma the current skipper would be deeply disheartened should Team India suffer defeat in a second World Cup final under his leadership particularly with the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup finale. The title clash against South Africa is scheduled for June 29 in Barbados.
Like the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Men in Blue went undefeated until the final. However, they suffered a sad defeat to Australia in the 50-over World Cup final, which they would be anxious to avoid on this occasion.
Sourav Ganguly spoke to media after being named Veedol’s brand ambassador, as quoted by NDTV:
“I don’t think he can lose two World Cup finals in seven (six) months. He will probably jump into the Barbados ocean if he loses two finals under his captaincy in seven months. He has led from the front, batted brilliantly, and I hope it continues tomorrow.”
Sourav Ganguly
He also commended Rohit Sharma for his success as captain, particularly in the IPL.
“Rohit has the record of winning five IPL titles, which is a huge achievement. Winning an IPL sometimes is more difficult. Don’t misquote me, I’m not saying IPL is better than international cricket. But you have to win 16-17 (12-13) matches to win an IPL; here you need to win 8-9 matches to win a World Cup. The honor is more in winning the World Cup, and I hope Rohit does it tomorrow,”
Sourav Ganguly
Rohit assumed the reins of Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2013 propelling the franchise to clinch five prestigious titles. This remarkable legacy paved the way for his succession by Hardik Pandya as the helm for the 2024 season.
Under his leadership the Indian side advanced to the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinals culminating in appearances in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup final the year prior.
“They have been the best side of the competition” – Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly praised India as the finest team in the 2024 T20 World Cup and anticipated they will finish on the winning side of the final against South Africa.
While the Men in Blue have won all seven completed games thus far in the competition, the Proteas have also gone unblemished, winning eight of eight.
“They have been the best side of the competition. I wish them luck, I wish they win. Hope they have a little bit of luck tomorrow because that is required to win big tournaments. Hope India finishes on the right side, and they should play with freedom.”
Sourav Ganguly
Despite India’s dismal ICC results, Sourav Ganguly said the team’s constant progress to the final stages was remarkable.
“I look at it differently. At least we are getting to the finals, we can only win once we get to the final. The positive thing is India is not getting eliminated. Secondly, they are dominating. You saw the World Cup in India seven months ago; they were the best side in the competition, although they lost to Australia in the final. They were a better side than Australia right through the tournament; they just had one bad day.”
Sourav Ganguly
India last won an ICC event in the 2013 Champions Trophy in England, capping a six-year streak that included victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.