Former India's head coach turned commentator Ravi Shastri had a front-row seat to one of the most dramatic moments of the T20 World Cup 2024 final. As the tension mounted in the commentary box, Shastri witnessed firsthand the crucial catch taken by Suryakumar Yadav to dismiss David Miller, a turning point in India's favor. This dismissal propelled India ahead, ultimately leading to their 7-run victory over South Africa and their second T20 World Cup title in Barbados. Although replays confirmed the catch was clean, there was significant debate surrounding whether Suryakumar's body had touched the boundary ropes.
Ravi Shastri shuts the noise around Suryakumar Yadav's T20 WC final catch
The Suryakumar Yadav catch has been a topic of much discussion since the final. Numerous former cricketers have weighed in, and even Suryakumar himself has addressed the controversy in interviews. Commentator Ravi Shastri, who witnessed the catch live, has also shared his thoughts. While acknowledging the widespread conversation surrounding the incident, Shastri emphasized that he wouldn't dwell on the critics. The 1983 World Cup winner highlighted the game-changing nature of the catch, asserting that Miller's dismissal significantly shifted the momentum in India's favor and brought Rohit Sharma's team closer to victory.
"It was under my nose, so I got a better view than anybody else. I had the monitor in front of me, and I was tall enough to just peek over to clear anything. Because that helped my commentary as well, Ian (Smith) was calling it, he said it and I said 'When it went up, on the replay David Miller will not like what he sees because that catch is clean'," Ravi Shastri told ICC.
"So come what may, whatever people say, to hell with that, that was clean, nothing moved and I saw it with my eyes from 20 feet upstairs and on the monitor as well. I think that was a game-changer because you know what David (Miller) can do. If that had gone for six, then suddenly it comes down to nine (10) to win. Another big shot and then the game's in the balance. So I thought the timing couldn't have been better," added Shastri.
Suryakumar Yadav's career trajectory has taken a remarkable turn since the T20 World Cup. Not only was he instrumental in India's victory with his crucial catch, but he has also been elevated to the captaincy of the Indian T20I team under the new coach Gautam Gambhir. With two T20I victories already under his belt, Yadav will be aiming to lead India to a complete sweep against Sri Lanka.
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