NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu praised Indian batsman Virat Kohli for his crucial performance in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup against South Africa.

Kohli played a pivotal role in the match, scoring 76 runs from 59 balls, including six fours and two sixes, which helped steer India to a total of 176/7 in their 20 overs. India eventually defended the score, winning the match by restricting South Africa to 169/8.

Sidhu, speaking on Star Sports, highlighted Kohli’s ability to step up when it mattered the most. “When it mattered the most, when 1.5 billion Indians were praying for victory and hoping that we do not choke at the final hurdle, he stood like the rock of Gibraltar in the sea of ruins. He kept one end intact and delivered the World Cup crown by performing when India’s ship was stuck.”

“In this tournament, even when he scored 38 and 24, he didn’t let the run rate drop. There was a different kind of Virat. Virat Kohli, a man of adversity, a man of masses, a master performer, a genius. For me, he will always be remembered as an icon, as the greatest inspiration, and above all, a cup of joy for billions and billions who watch cricket all over,” Sidhu was quoted as saying by ANI.

Kohli ended the 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup with 151 runs in eight innings, averaging 18.87 and a strike rate of 112.68, including a fifty. His overall performance in T20 World Cup matches is impressive, having scored 1,292 runs at an average of 58.72 and a strike rate of 128.81, with 15 half-centuries, making him the highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history.

In his T20I career, Kohli played 125 matches, amassing 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04. His record includes one century and 38 fifties, with a highest score of 122*. He retires from the format as the second highest run-getter of all time.