June 29, 2024, is a date that Indian cricket fans will remember for a long time, as it marked the end of an 11-year wait for an ICC title. India triumphed in a thrilling T20 World Cup final held in Barbados, defeating South Africa by a mere seven runs. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, this victory was not just a celebration of skill and teamwork; it was a moment of national pride and joy that resonated deeply across the country.

One of the most talked-about moments from that electrifying final came during South Africa's tense chase for victory. As they approached the finish line, needing 30 runs off the last 30 balls, Rishabh Pant suddenly went down on the field, displaying visible discomfort in his knee. This unexpected incident halted the game and raised immediate concerns about his condition, particularly considering Pant's recent, tumultuous history, which included a life-threatening car accident in 2022.

Reflecting on that critical moment a year later, Rohit Sharma shared his insights, revealing that he initially feared the worst for Pant. In an interview with Star Sports, he recounted the tension of that situation, saying, "See, Hardik has come to bowl there. So, we were discussing with Hardik what to do. I didn't know what had happened before. I genuinely thought that something had happened to him. The accident he had, I thought he was just trying to..." Rohit continued, explaining that Pant's actions were actually a strategic pause in the game, designed to disrupt South Africa's momentum, which was leaning in their favor at that moment.

During a conversation on The Great Indian Kapil Show, Rohit elaborated on how Pant's quick thinking played a pivotal role in India's strategy. He explained, "When South Africa needed 30 runs off 30 balls, just before that, there was a small break. Pant used his intelligence to pause the game - he had a knee injury, so he had his knee taped, which helped slow down the game - because the game was fast-paced, and at that moment, all a batter wants is the ball to be bowled quickly. But we had to break the rhythm." He noted that while he was setting the field and consulting with the bowlers, Pant's sudden fall and the arrival of the physiotherapist to tape his knee gave the Indian team a much-needed breather, allowing them to regroup.

Ultimately, the strategy paid off as Hardik Pandya went on to dismiss South African player Klaasen, which significantly shifted the game's momentum back in India's favor. Rohit acknowledged that while he wouldn't claim Pant's actions were the sole reason for their win, they certainly contributed to their success that night. India not only clinched the T20 World Cup trophy but also enjoyed an emotionally charged farewell for key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and coach Rahul Dravid.

As fans look back on the victory, Pant's knee incident stands out as one of the most iconic moments of that unforgettable match, sparking ongoing discussions and debates about its impact on the game.