India Reclaims T20 World Cup Glory After 17 Years: Dhoni, Tendulkar Laud Team

India's first T20 World Cup-winning captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, led the celebrations as Rohit Sharma's team clinched the trophy after 17 years. They defeated South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final in Bridgetown on Saturday. Dhoni, who guided India to their maiden title in 2007, praised the team's composure during the match.

"WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 2024. My heart rate was up, well done on being calm, having the self-belief and doing what you guys did," Dhoni wrote on Instagram. "From all the Indians back home and everywhere in the world, a big thank you for bringing the World Cup Home. CONGRATULATIONS. arreeee thanks for the priceless birthday gift," said Dhoni, who will turn 43 early next month.

Legendary Praise

Sachin Tendulkar also expressed his joy on social media, noting that India has now earned a 'fourth star' following previous World Cup wins in 1983 and 2011, and the inaugural 2007 World T20 victory. "Every star added to the Team India jersey inspires our nation’s starry-eyed children to move one step closer to their dreams. India gets the 4th star, our second in T20WC," he wrote on X.

Tendulkar reflected on India's journey from their early exit in the 2007 ODI World Cup to becoming a cricketing powerhouse. "Life comes full circle for Indian cricket in the West Indies. From our lows in the 2007 ODI World Cup to becoming a cricketing powerhouse and winning the T20WC in 2024," he said.

He also praised Rahul Dravid’s significant role in this victory, saying, "Very happy for my friend Rahul Dravid, who missed out on the 2011 World Cup win but his contribution to this T20 World Cup victory has been immense. I am so so happy for him."

Commendations for Leadership and Performance

Tendulkar lauded Rohit Sharma's leadership and acknowledged other squad members' contributions. "What can one say about Rohit Sharma? Superb captaincy! To put the 2023 ODI World Cup loss behind and to keep all our players motivated towards the T20 World Cup is commendable," he stated.

He also highlighted individual performances: "Jasprit Bumrah’s Player of the Tournament award as well as Virat Kohli’s Player of the Match award are both well-deserved. They were just superb when it mattered."

"Along with Rahul, Paras Mhambrey and Vikram Rathour also made their international debuts in 1996. It was wonderful to see Team India excel under the guidance of this class of ’96," Tendulkar continued.

Unified Applause

Former cricketers like VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, and Gautam Gambhir joined in praising India's achievement. "Congratulations Team India on becoming the T20 World Champions. Been the best team in the tournament remaining unbeaten throughout," VVS Laxman wrote on X.

Laxman added, "Great composure and character shown by the team to win this from the situation we were in with 5 overs remaining. Every player deserves credit for giving it their all and rising to the occasion and wonderfully led by Rohit."

Anil Kumble echoed similar sentiments: "Congratulations team India! Wonderful victory." Ravichandran Ashwin celebrated by saying, "We are champions!"

Individual Accolades

Yuvraj Singh, an ambassador for the T20 World Cup in the Americas, praised key players individually. "You did it boys! @hardikpandya7 you’re a hero! @Jaspritbumrah93 what an over to bring India back in the game! Extremely ecstatic for @ImRo45 great captaincy under pressure! @imVkohli #RahulDravid and the whole team #ICCT20WorldCup2024," he wrote.

Yuvraj continued his praise: "Well played @akshar2026 @IamShivamDube. koi reh to nahi gaya! Oh @surya_14kumar what a catch under pressure."

Gautam Gambhir also celebrated India's triumph: "CHAMPIONS!" He had earlier shared his standout moments during the game.

Heartfelt Congratulations

Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly congratulated Rohit Sharma and his team: "Heartiest congratulations to Rohit Sharma and his team .. what a game to win .. may be a World Cup in 11-13 years but with the talent this country has, they will win many more .."

Ganguly added: "Bumrah is absolutely magic .. well done Virat, Axar, Hardik and everyone .. Rahul Dravid and support staff .. what a proud moment."

The collective admiration from former players underscores India's remarkable achievement in reclaiming the T20 World Cup after nearly two decades.