'Maine Bola South Africa Jeet Jaye...': India Cricketer Dhruv Jurel Reveals Why he Started Backing Proteas in T20 World Cup Final

India’s T20 World Cup has inspired the next generation of stars who will begin their journey with the bilateral tour of Zimbabwe starting this weekend. The squad, led by Shubman Gill, will square off with Zimbabwe in a five-match series with a bunch of first timers aiming to make an impression.

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As many as six players will be aiming to make their T20I debuts including Abhishek Sharma, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan and Harshit Rana.

Among these six, Jurel (Test) and Sudharsan (ODI) have already represented India at the international level.

These youngsters were glued to their screens watching the action unfold at the recent 2024 T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa. In a pulsating clash, India emerged victorious by seven runs to end their 11-year-long wait for an ICC title.

Wicketkeeper-batter Jurel revealed why he started backing South Africa during the contest.

“Mai bol raha tha ki India jeet jaye toh South Africa jeet rahi thi. Toh maine kya kiya ki South Africa jeet jaye toh phir ulta ho gaya. Jub India jeet gayi toh I was celebrating like a kid. (When I was rooting for India, South Africa was ahead. So I decided to back South Africa instead and India started winning.)” Jurel said in a clip shared by BCCI.

Skipper Gill, who has played with the seniors across formats, termed it as a special win. “This must be very special for all of them and very special for me because I’ve been watching them for a long time and they were working so hard for this feather in their cap,” he said.

Parag, who had a breakout IPL 2024 for Rajasthan Royals that culminated into a maiden India call-up said the win is an inspiration for the young players.

“It’s an inspiration for all of us, all the young players that are here in the team to win a cup, to win something that’s this big in stature. I think it’s going to be motivating for all of us and all the youngsters that make cricket in India,” Parag said.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja have retired from the shortest format following the triumph and Ruturaj Gaikwad termed it as a ‘great ending’ for their T20I careers.

“To have this kind of a win where almost we were in the jaws of defeat and then to come back and win from there is a special moment and great ending for obviously three legends of T20 cricket,” he said.

For fast bowler Tushar Deshpande, India bouncing back to claim the title after South Africa were left to chase 30 off 30 at one stage, proves miracles can happen.

“As we always say the game is not over till (the end) and that final was the best example for it that we believe miracles can happen,” Deshpande said.

Avesh Khan, who hails from Madhya Pradesh, celebrated the win at Rajwada.

“There’s a place in Rajwada (in Indore) where anytime there’s a big match, the public gathers. So, I also went there and celebrated with everyone. Even now the pictures I am seeing on Instagram and social media they are making me proud. Hopefully, we will keep on performing like this,” he said.