Mohammad Kaif reignites 'better team' debate as he pays tribute to India after T20 World Cup win

Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has paid a glowing tribute to Team India after their triumph in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Team India ended their long wait for the T20 World Cup title by winning the ninth edition of the competition. On Saturday (June 29), the Rohit Sharma-led side beat South Africa in the final in Barbados to lift the trophy. India beat the Proteas by 7 runs to become only the third team after West Indies and England to win the T20 World Cup twice.

Batting first, India scored 176/7 in 20 overs. The Men in Blue were reeling at 34 for 3 at one stage before Virat Kohli's 76-run knock bailed them out of trouble. Axar Patel also played a crucial 47-run knock. In reply, South Africa ended their innings on 169/8.

At one stage, the Aiden Markram-led side was on 151/4 after 16 overs and looked destined to win the game comfortably. However, India turned things around in remarkable fashion and went on to win the thrilling game. For India, Hardik Pandya picked up 3 wickets while Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah claimed two wickets apiece.

Mohammad Kaif's tribute to Team India:

Following India's victory, Mohammad Kaif has said that India were the better team on the paper and proved it on the field as well. Last year, the former cricketer had found himself at the center of a debate for his comments after India lost the ODI World Cup final against Australia.

Even though India had lost the game, Mohammad Kaif had called them the best team of the tournament. He had faced criticism from several quarters especially the Australian cricketing fraternity for his comments.

 

Facts: It was Australia's day in final, they won, they are World Cup winners.
More facts: India comprehensively won 10 games, they lost 11th, they had the best bowlers and batters. They were the tournament's best team.
Both facts, on paper and on field. Relax Australia.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) November 23, 2023

Well, unlike the last time, not many would argue with Kaif's comments this time. On Monday (July 1), he took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute to Team India's dominating performance in the T20 World Cup, writing: "Better talent, better skills. This time the better team on field, and on paper, won. 🏆 🇮🇳"

Better talent, better skills. This time the better team on field, and on paper, won. 🏆 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/x9Rt2RQ0f1

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 1, 2024

India did enjoy a very dominating run in the competition. They won each of the 8 games they played in the tournament including against the likes of England, Australia, and Pakistan. Team India will be in action again later this week when they take on Zimbabwe in the first of the five-match T20I series.