In the T20 World Cup final, Suryakumar Yadav analyses his game-winning catch, saying, “My mind was clear that I have to catch it come what may.”

In the final over of India vs. South Africa’s thrilling Twenty20 World Cup 2024 match, Suryakumar Yadav produced a breathtaking catch to get rid of the dangerous David Miller. The Mumbai hitter shared a glimpse into his thinking during his effort at the catch that turned the tide of the match. India were victorious in the T20 World Cup twice, defeating their opponents by seven runs at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Miller was well-prepared, and Hardik Pandya was tasked with holding him to 16 runs in the final over. The long-off Suryakumar had the opportunity to make one of the greatest catches in T20 World Cup history when the Baroda all-rounder delivered a full throw outside off-stump, but Miller was unable to make the perfect connection. With both hands, he grabbed the ball as he dashed to his left. But as his momentum carried him over the ropes, he used his composure to toss the ball into the air, take a few feet outside the boundary cushion, come back within the playing field and accomplish a breathtaking catch.

While fielding at long-on, skipper Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar reportedly shared a quick look. If Rohit had been closer, the 33-year-old said, he would have threw the ball to him. But, in an instant, Suryakumar concluded that it was his responsibility to make the winning catch.

“Rohit bhai isn’t one to stand for long, but that particular moment he was.” I briefly glanced at him as the ball approached, and he reciprocated the glance. My goal as I ran was to catch the ball. I would have flung the ball in Rohit’s direction if he had been closer. However, he was far from it. Whatever happened in those four to five seconds, I cannot understand,” Suryakumar Yadav told the Indian Express.

Suryakumar Yadav was very close to the advertising skirting, which has led some opponents to doubt the justice of the catch. Thus far, replays have yielded no clear results either. The Mumbai batsman asserted that he was certain it was a fair catch, nevertheless.

Also read: Aakash Chopra dispels the myth surrounding Suryakumar Yadav’s catch in the IND vs. SA T20WC final

“After pushing the ball up and into the playing area and catching it, I realised that I hadn’t made contact with the rope. My feet didn’t touch the rope as I pushed the ball back inside, so that was the only thing about which I was worried. I was aware of the fair catch. In retrospect, a lot could have gone wrong. The formula would have been five balls, 10 runs if the ball had gone for six. The colourful batter claimed that even if we might have won, the margin would have been closer.

I practise these kinds of catches during bilateral series and the Indian Premier League, so it’s not a one-day workout: Suryakumar Yadav

As he had practiced these catches for a number of years, Suryakumar Yadav expressed his happiness at making a play at such a pivotal moment in the match that would decide the title.

“Depending on the wind, I have practiced the catch I made at several locations. Because Miller struck a straight ball and Hardik [Pandya] and Rohit bhai had set up a field for the wide yorker, I was positioned a little too wide. I knew that I had to catch it no matter what,” Suryakumar remarked.

“We practise quality fielding the day before the game. In 10 to 12 minutes, we have more than ten high catches, flat catches, direct hits and slip catches. I practise these kinds of catches during bilateral series and the Indian Premier League; it’s not a one-day workout. The prize for all the years of arduous work was yesterday’s catch, he continued.