Rohit Sharma sent 'South Africa ko choke karaana' message by 1983 World Cup-winning star ahead of T20 WC final

1983 World Cup-winning all-rounder Kirti Azad cautioned the Rohit Sharma-led team against complacency, despite South Africa's history of choking in big matches. Kirti Azad stated that it would be difficult to predict how South Africa would perform in the final, noting that they were famously dubbed 'chokers'.

The Men in Blue will be hoping to end a decade-long drought in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, June 29. The Indian cricket team last won an ICC trophy under legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni in the 2013 Champions Trophy in England.

Both finalists, India and South Africa, enter the summit clash of the World Cup unbeaten so far. South Africa will be aiming to secure their first-ever ICC tournament victory. The Aiden Markram-led team want to change the 'chokers' tag that has haunted them for previous failures to reach finals in ICC tournaments.

It Is Very Difficult To Talk - Kirti Azad

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Kirti Azad emphasized that South Africa's lack of experience in ICC tournament finals makes them unpredictable. Azad cautioned India against complacency, urging them to focus on setting a strong target to avoid any mishaps in the crucial match.

“It is very difficult to talk about South Africa as it is their first time in the final of any ICC tournament. They were even called ‘chokers’ as they used to always choke in the semi-finals which is why it will be difficult to predict how they will perform in the final,” Azad said.

“But yes they will give it their best to win and India have to be careful to not get too complacent and we don’t end up choking the game. The hope will be that we put up a good score,” he added.

India's Bowling Attack Is Second To None - Kirti Azad

Kirti Azad emphasized the importance of capitalizing on the pitch conditions, noting that the low bounce could favor India's strategy. He highlighted the need for India to put pressure on South Africa under these conditions to secure victory in the final match.

“As we saw the pitches last time out in the semifinals, the ball was not bouncing too much and staying low. We will have to be careful and give them a good target. South Africa ko choke karaana hoga (We will have to get South Africa to choke),” Azad added.

“India’s bowling attack is second to none. The biggest plus point for our side is the way Rohit is batting,” added the World Cup winner.

India has excelled in all departments en route to the T20 World Cup final, particularly with their bowling unit. Players like Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel have impressed with their performances. Hardik Pandya has contributed with both bat and ball throughout the tournament.

Kirti Azad concluded by praising the leadership of skipper Rohit Sharma. The former all-rounder extended his best wishes for the highly anticipated championship clash. Azad highlighted that every captain brings their own style and hoped for India's victory in the final under Rohit's leadership.

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