In a thrilling and defining moment of India's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma has described Suryakumar Yadav's stunning catch to dismiss South Africa’s David Miller in the final as the game-changing highlight.
Speaking on the one-year anniversary of India’s title win, Rohit reminisced about the dramatic catch that played a pivotal role in their seven-run victory over the Proteas.
South Africa needed 16 runs off the final over, and Miller was on strike. Hardik Pandya bowled the over, starting with a wide full toss, which Miller sent down the ground.
Suryakumar, stationed at long-off, made a thrilling run to his left, grabbed the ball, and, despite the momentum pulling him toward the boundary, managed to lob the ball up before returning inside the rope to complete a jaw-dropping catch.
Rohit, stationed at long-on, recalled the palpable tension as the umpires reviewed the catch. "Even after Surya's catch, the umpires referred it to the third umpire, and we were all on edge," he said. "I thought, '10 needed off five balls,' but then I saw the ball heading towards Surya.
" It looked like the ball would easily cross the rope. But thanks to the wind, the ball was pulled back in, and Surya managed to pull off a spectacular catch."
While the catch was under review, Rohit and Suryakumar were anxiously waiting to see whether it had been completed in bounds. "I was right next to Surya while they were reviewing the catch, and I told him, 'You let me know if it was a catch or not.
" I don't want to look at the big screen.' Surya said, 'No, no, I caught it.' But when I saw him speaking to someone else, I wasn’t sure. It was a moment of high suspense," Rohit recalled.
Long off Long off Long offffff….Surya Kumar Yadav ….Surya Kumar Yadav ne pakda hai apne career ka sabse important catch 🎉 29-6-2024 🇮🇳 ——One of the greatest moments in Indian cricket history
— Prem Mohanty 🏏⚽️ (@philipbkk) June 29, 2025
pic.twitter.com/HGuwGmNhDp
Ultimately, the third umpire confirmed that it was a legitimate catch, and South Africa’s chase faltered, with the Proteas only managing eight runs off the final over. India successfully defended their total of 177, sealing their second-ever T20 World Cup title.
Rohit also looked back at the early struggles in India’s innings, where they lost three quick wickets. "When we lost those three wickets early, there were definitely nerves in the dressing room," he recalled. I was panicking, thinking we’d let them back into the game.
But then, in the back of my mind, I had faith in our lower middle order. They had been impactful whenever given the chance," he shared.
Axar Patel, batting at No. 5, played a key role with a crucial 47 off 31 balls, stabilizing the innings alongside Kohli, who anchored India’s total with a brilliant 76 off 59 balls. Rohit highlighted the importance of Axar’s knock and praised Kohli for his composed, match-winning innings despite a challenging tournament leading up to the final.
Rohit also commended Virat Kohli for his calm under pressure: "When Virat hit those three boundaries in the first over, it gave him confidence.
He played a brilliant knock, and the experience he brings to the table in such situations is invaluable. He remained focused and proved to be the anchor we needed."
India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup will be remembered not only for Suryakumar Yadav’s iconic catch but also for the composure shown by the team in overcoming early setbacks and delivering under pressure.