India’s triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup, held in the West Indies and USA, marked a historic moment, ending an 11-year ICC trophy drought. Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, India defeated South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final in Barbados, defending a total of 169. The victory was a testament to the team’s resilience, strategic acumen, and ability to perform when it mattered most. For the current Indian T20I team, transitioning with young talent in 2025, the 2024 campaign offers invaluable lessons. With emerging players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Abhishek Sharma stepping into the spotlight, the team must draw from past successes to navigate future challenges. Two major lessons stand out: showing trust in players and staying calm under pressure. These principles, exemplified in 2024, are critical for a young squad aiming to establish itself in high-stakes T20 cricket.
Showing Trust in Players
The 2024 T20 World Cup demonstrated the power of backing players, even through inconsistent performances, to unlock their potential at crucial moments. India’s squad, a blend of veterans and newer faces, faced scrutiny for form and selection choices throughout the tournament. Yet, the team management’s unwavering trust in players like Virat Kohli and Shivam Dube proved decisive in the final.
The Kohli Conundrum
Virat Kohli, a cornerstone of Indian cricket, endured a lean run in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Across seven matches, he scored just 151 runs at an average of 18.87, with a highest of 37 before the final. His struggles on the slow pitches of the USA and Caribbean sparked debates, with critics questioning his role in the T20 setup. However, the team management, led by Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid, stood by Kohli, valuing his experience and big-match temperament.
This faith paid dividends in the final against South Africa. Batting first, India were reeling at 34/3 after losing Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav early. Kohli anchored the innings with a masterful 76 off 59 balls, including six fours and two sixes, guiding India to a competitive 169/8. His partnerships with Axar Patel (47 off 31) and Shivam Dube (27 off 16) were pivotal in setting a challenging total. Kohli’s knock earned him the Player of the Match award, underscoring the importance of backing a proven performer through tough phases.
Shivam Dube’s Redemption
Shivam Dube’s journey in the tournament mirrored Kohli’s. Selected for his power-hitting and ability to counter spin on slow tracks, Dube struggled, managing only 133 runs at an average of 22.16 and a strike rate of 103.90. His performances drew criticism, with some arguing for his exclusion in favor of more consistent batters like Sanju Samson. Yet, the team’s trust in Dube’s potential kept him in the XI.
In the final, Dube repaid that faith with a quickfire 27 off 16 balls, including three fours and a six. His cameo, alongside Kohli and Axar, boosted India’s total past 150, proving crucial in a tight match. Dube’s ability to deliver under pressure validated the selectors’ decision to back him, highlighting the importance of nurturing talent through ups and downs.
Relevance for the Current Team
The 2025 Indian T20I team, under new head coach Gautam Gambhir, features a youthful core. Players like Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ishan Kishan are vying to cement their spots. The 2024 triumph teaches that patience with young talent is essential. For instance, Abhishek Sharma, who debuted in 2024, has shown promise in the IPL but needs time to adapt to international pressure. Dropping players prematurely risks stunting their growth, whereas consistent backing can unlock match-winning performances, as seen with Kohli and Dube. The management must foster a supportive environment, allowing youngsters to fail, learn, and eventually shine, especially in high-stakes tournaments like the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Staying Calm Under Pressure
The 2024 T20 World Cup final was a masterclass in composure, particularly in the death overs, where India turned a near-lost game into a memorable victory. Defending 169, India faced immense pressure as South Africa reached 139/4 after 15 overs, needing just 30 runs off the last five overs with six wickets in hand. Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive batting threatened to tilt the game, but India’s ability to stay calm and execute their plans clinched the title.
The Final’s Turning Point
South Africa’s chase started steadily, with Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram building a platform. After early wickets, Klaasen’s aggressive 52 off 27 balls put South Africa in control. With 30 needed off 30 balls, the momentum was firmly with the Proteas. However, India’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, remained unfazed. Rohit Sharma’s tactical nous—rotating bowlers strategically and setting tight fields—kept the pressure on.
The turning point came in the 17th over, bowled by Arshdeep Singh, who conceded just four runs. Bumrah followed with a tight 18th over, dismissing Tristan Stubbs. The 19th over saw Hardik Pandya remove Klaasen, caught by Pant off a slower ball, shifting the momentum. In the final over, Pandya held his nerve, dismissing Marco Jansen and conceding only five runs when South Africa needed 16. Suryakumar Yadav’s acrobatic catch to dismiss David Miller sealed the deal, showcasing India’s composure in the clutch.
Tactical Composure
India’s success stemmed from their ability to take the game deep, a strategy rooted in staying calm. Rohit’s leadership ensured the team didn’t panic, even when Klaasen was dominating. Bumrah’s precision (2/18 in 4 overs) and Pandya’s versatility (3/20) exemplified execution under pressure. The fielders, despite earlier lapses in the tournament, stepped up, with Pant and Yadav making crucial contributions. This collective composure turned a run-a-ball chase into a seven-run victory, securing India’s second T20 World Cup title.
Lessons for the Young Squad
The current Indian T20I team, with its mix of youth and experience, will face similar pressure situations. Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who shone in the IPL 2025 with 559 runs for Rajasthan Royals, and Shubman Gill, the new T20I captain, must learn to handle tense moments. The 2024 final shows that staying calm enables clear thinking and precise execution. For instance, in a hypothetical 2025 T20I against Australia, if India are defending a modest total, young bowlers like Harshit Rana or Tushar Deshpande must emulate Bumrah’s focus. Similarly, batters like Gaikwad must anchor chases without succumbing to scoreboard pressure. Training under Gambhir, known for his cool-headed approach, will help instill this mindset.
Applying the Lessons in 2025
As India rebuilds for the 2026 T20 World Cup, the 2024 triumph offers a blueprint. Trusting young players like Rinku Singh, who played a supporting role in 2024, will build confidence and depth. Meanwhile, staying calm will be crucial in tight matches, especially in bilateral series against strong sides like England or South Africa. The team’s recent performances, such as their 3-1 T20I series win in South Africa in November 2024, show promise, but consistency under pressure remains a work in progress.
Gambhir’s coaching philosophy, emphasizing mental toughness, aligns with these lessons. By fostering a culture of trust and composure, India can nurture its young talent while maintaining a competitive edge. The 2024 victory also highlights the value of experienced players like Hardik Pandya, who could mentor youngsters in high-pressure scenarios.
Challenges and Opportunities
The transition to a younger squad brings challenges. Inconsistent performances, as seen with Dube in 2024, are likely among players like Ishan Kishan or Tilak Varma, who are yet to fully establish themselves. The management must resist knee-jerk reactions, such as dropping players after a few failures, and instead provide opportunities to grow. Additionally, the pressure of replacing legends like Kohli and Rohit, who retired from T20Is post-2024, looms large. The 2024 lessons suggest that backing potential and maintaining composure will help bridge this gap.
In Summary
India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph offers timeless lessons for the current T20I team. Showing trust in players, as seen with Kohli and Dube, ensures that talent shines when it matters most. Staying calm under pressure, as demonstrated in the final’s death overs, enables precise execution in crunch moments. As India’s young squad navigates the road to 2026, these principles will be their guiding light, helping them build a legacy as formidable as their predecessors’. By embracing trust and composure, the team can aspire to replicate the glory of Barbados and cement their place in T20 cricket’s elite.
FAQs
Q: Why was India’s trust in Virat Kohli and Shivam Dube significant in 2024?
A: Despite their inconsistent form, India’s faith in Kohli and Dube paid off in the final, where they scored 76 and 27, respectively, helping set a winning total of 169.
Q: How did India stay calm in the 2024 T20 World Cup final?
A: India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah and Pandya, executed tight overs and strategic plans in the last five overs, while Rohit’s calm leadership kept the team focused.
Q: How can the 2025 Indian T20I team apply these lessons?
A: By backing young players like Abhishek Sharma and teaching them to stay composed in pressure situations, India can build a resilient squad for future tournaments.
