"Sad thing that..." - Wasim Akram's red-hot take on 'match-winner' Virat Kohli's T20I retirement

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram congratulated the Indian team on winning the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy. India defeated South Africa by 7 runs in a thrilling final at Barbados to clinch the title.

After winning the toss and batting first, India scored 176-7, thanks to Virat Kohli's 76 off 59 balls and Shivam Dube's late cameo of 27 off 16 balls. In reply, South Africa could only reach 169-8 despite being in a dominant position at one point. Heinrich Klaasen played a blistering innings of 52 off 27 balls while Tristan Stubbs and Quinton de Kock also made vital contributions for the Proteas.

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Wasim Akram congratulates India after winning the final

In a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Wasim Akram congratulated India on their thrilling win in the final. Akram lauded India for the way they played throughout the tournament.

"Congratulations to India on winning the T20 World Cup 2024 final. Congratulations for the way they have won the match, the way they have won the tournament. I already said it before the World Cup that they are the favorites to win the tournament and they proved it. They have been unbeaten in the whole tournament, be it batting, bowling, fielding, or the bravery with which they played," Akram said in the video.

Akram also praised Jasprit Bumrah for the way he delivered when his team needed him the most.

"At one stage, I thought South Africa will win when they needed run-a-ball and Klaasen and Miller were having a great partnership. But Bumrah proved why he is the best fast bowler in the world right now. Whether it's red-ball cricket or white-ball cricket, he always delivers for his team. He provided the wickets when his team needed it from him," the former fast bowler added.

Jasprit Bumrah picked up 2-18 in four overs. He gave away just 6 runs and also removed Marco Jansen in his final two overs to turn the tide in India's favor.

- Congratulations team India 🇮🇳

Tune into today’s episode of Wazz With U to listen to my analysis. #T20WorldCup #India #ViratKohli #RohitSharma #IamGAME #Cricket #T20WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/ZhABb1WE29

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) June 30, 2024

The upcoming generation will miss out on your batting - Wasim Akram on Virat Kohli's T20I retirement

Wasim Akram congratulated Virat Kohli on his illustrious T20I career and mentioned that the upcoming generation will miss his batting in this format.

"Virat Kohli is a great player because he wins you the match. Today when two wickets fell early, he (Kohli) assessed the pitch and conditions, and decided to bat long. He completed his responsibility and this is called a match-winner. Well done Virat. We're super proud of you. The way you've batted not just in this innings, but in your career. It's a sad thing that you've retired from T20Is and the upcoming generation will miss out (on your batting). But you proved that you're one of the greats of the game. Congrats for your future," Akram stated.

Virat Kohli retired from T20Is after winning the T20 World Cup. He was adjudged Player of the Match in the final.

The legendary left-arm quick hailed South Africa for the way they played throughout the tournament. He also expressed his happiness for the Indian fans who traveled from over the world to support their team.

"I feel for South Africa. I thought that this was their chance. They reached the final, played good cricket, they had the game in their control but when they lost the wickets in the end, Indian bowlers took the game away from them. When you win a World Cup, you win by a team effort and not the performance of just one individual. So, the whole Indian team needs to be credited for the way they have won the World Cup. I'm so happy for Indian team and the Indian fans who travel the world to support their team," Akram concluded.