South Africa will themself present the T20 World Cup trophy to India claims former Indian cricketer

Former Indian batter Atul Wassan backed Team India to end their ICC trophy drought by thrashing South Africa in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados on Saturday, June 29. The Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team is unbeaten in the tournament and favorites to clinch the trophy.

However, Wassan might have backed India to win their first World Cup after 13 years, but his statement might have hurt the team and fans, as he said that South Africa's reputation for faltering in crucial matches gives the Men in Blue an extra edge to win the T20 World Cup 2024.

Atul Wassan backs India to break ICC trophy drought ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Final

The former Indian opener noted that the South Africa cricket team has historically struggled in high-pressure situations, and then T20 cricket's unpredictability can swiftly change with a few dominant overs from either side, so he feels the good team will be crowned champions on Saturday night.

Highlighting Team India's strengths, Wassan pointed out their formidable batting lineup, established track record, and impact players, who have been consistently delivering throughout the tournament, as he predicted that they would dominate the final against the Proteas side as well.

Wassan emphasized that history and form favor India, but the dynamic nature of the game ensures that any team can seize control and turn the match in their favor, he feels Rohit and his team have everything to go all the way and win the ICC trophy this time after losing the ODI World Cup 2023.

Indian team is better than South Africa: Atul Wassan

Atul Wassan was quoted as saying by IANS: “They may not have won any trophy or title but have dominated the scene. But this time, I believe India will win the trophy because South Africa chokes on important occasions. However, you can’t say anything with certainty in T20 cricket, teams can suddenly change the course of the match, they can have a period of 4-5 overs dominance and grab the initiative decisively.”

Wassan further added, “More often than not, good teams win big matches, they may not do well in small matches. No doubt, the Indian team is better — we have better batters, are more renowned, have a record, better impact players and the team has been dominant through the World Cup — reached the final (ODI World Cup 2023), had played the semifinal in Australia and will now play the final.”

India took revenge against England in a befitting manner: Atul Wassan

Meanwhile, Atul Wassan highlighted India's commanding 68-run victory over England in the semifinal to reach the T20 World Cup 2024 final in style in Guyana. He compared India’s emphatic win over England to a dominant innings victory in Test cricket.

Wassan admitted that he was not expecting such a hammering of England, as they crushed India by 10 wickets in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal, but the Men Blue have taken revenge for that defeat in a befitting style, leaving England reeling despite winning the toss.

He signed off by saying, “They have taken revenge against England and in a befitting manner. England just did not know what hit them, they won the toss and thought they had the advantage. But the way Rohit Sharma counter-attacked and wrested the advantage, was a treat to watch.”