The India vs. Australia clash in the 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8s was billed as a chance for Rohit Sharma’s men to avenge their defeat in the ODI World Cup 2023 final. India not only secured a crucial win on Monday, booking their place in the semi-finals, but also left Australia teetering on the edge of elimination. Amidst the social media buzz from fans and former cricketers, Pakistan legend Shoaib Akhtar grabbed attention with his ‘depression theory,’ suggesting that India’s disappointment turned into an obsession to defeat Australia
In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Akhtar emphasized how India transformed the depression of losing the ODI World Cup 2023 final into a relentless drive to beat Australia in the T20 World Cup 2024.
The depression that India felt after losing the last World Cup final, the one they deserved to win… has now turned into an obsession to beat Australia here,
Akhtar said in the video, calling it ‘the perfect revenge’.
Akhtar also praised Rohit Sharma’s stellar performance, especially his aggressive play against Australian pacer Mitchell Starc.
Rohit Sharma did exactly what he needed to do, playing with such intent. Rohit ne kya fainti lagayi hai Mitchell Starc ki (Rohit completely destroyed Starc). My heart wanted Rohit Sharma to score 150 today,
Akhtar added in the video.
Australia’s defeat to India, combined with their earlier loss to Afghanistan, marked the end of their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. Afghanistan’s victory over Bangladesh in their final Super 8 match sealed Australia’s fate.
Once considered favorites to win the title in the USA and West Indies, Australia’s two defeats in the Super 8s led to their unexpected exit from the tournament. The loss to Afghanistan was particularly surprising.
With this victory, India is set to face England in the semi-finals, while Afghanistan will take on South Africa.
