Team India made history by successfully defending their T20 World Cup title, marking the first time any team has achieved this feat in the shortest format of the game. The ‘Men in Blue’ also became the first nation to lift the trophy three times.
Batting first, India set an imposing target of 256 runs, losing just five wickets in their 20 overs. Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan each contributed with impressive half-centuries, while the powerful all-rounder Shivam Dube added a quickfire 26 runs off just eight balls.
In response, New Zealand struggled, getting bowled out for 159 runs in 19 overs. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler, taking four wickets for just 15 runs in his four overs. Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Abhishek Sharma each contributed with a wicket as well.
The standout performer in the final was India’s vice-captain, Axar Patel, who delivered an exceptional bowling performance, capturing three wickets for 27 runs in three overs.
Axar also played a pivotal role in the semi-final against England, taking two spectacular catches and securing one wicket against the ‘Three Lions’. In the previous edition of the World Cup, he had played a crucial innings with 47 runs (including one four and four sixes) and took one wicket while conceding 49 runs in four overs during the final against South Africa.
Over the years, the 32-year-old has become a cornerstone of the Indian team in both T20 Internationals and One-Day Internationals. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Bapu’ by his teammates, this moniker was given by former captain MS Dhoni, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, as both hail from Gujarat.
Though initially a private joke in the dressing room, fans became aware of the nickname when a video of Virat Kohli praising Axar’s bowling skills went viral, where he said, “Aee Bapu thari bowling kamal che” (Bapu, your bowling was outstanding).
Star bowler Arshdeep Singh also shared a reel on social media featuring Axar, humorously remarking, “Ek Bapu ne azaadi dilayi, dusre ne trophy” (One Bapu gave freedom, the other won the trophy).
So, the next time someone wonders, “What has cricket’s Bapu done for the nation?” his recent stellar performances on the field provide a resounding answer.