My Diary 2024: Kuldeep Yadav – “On the eve of the T20 World Cup final, I imagined the trophy beside me. The next day, it became a reality.”
As a tradition, every major tournament begins with a team meeting where each member delivers a speech. This year’s T20 World Cup was no different. When my turn came, emotions overwhelmed me. The heartbreak of losing the ODI World Cup final in 2023 still lingered. I shared my hope with the team: this time, we would bring the trophy home. It wasn’t just my dream—everyone in the room felt the same.
While many doubted our chances, citing India’s past struggles in ICC events, we were driven by an unrelenting desire to prove them wrong. The loss to Australia in 2023 had left a deep wound, and we were determined to heal it with victory.
The Night Before the Final
On the eve of the final against South Africa, I sat quietly in the dressing room, picturing the trophy beside me. It was a visualization I shared with a few teammates. The next day, it turned into reality.
Confidence ran high as we entered the decider, having defeated strong teams like Australia and England en route. The morning of the game felt normal; no one overthought or let nerves take over.
The final itself was a thriller. At a critical moment, Hardik Pandya’s wicket of Heinrich Klaasen and our dismissal of Marco Jansen brought us closer to victory. When Suryakumar Yadav pulled off that stunning catch to remove David Miller, we knew the World Cup was ours.
Celebrating the Win
The celebrations were unforgettable. Rohit Bhai made it clear: no one was leaving the party early. He reminded us that such moments come rarely in a cricketer’s life. The room was filled with joy—smiling faces, laughter, and pure elation. Even Rahul Sir and Jay Bhai stayed back to soak it all in.
However, the magnitude of our achievement didn’t hit us immediately. A cyclone delayed our departure from Barbados, leaving us in silence at the hotel. Once a special flight was arranged, we embarked on a 16-hour journey to Delhi. I spent much of it responding to over 800 congratulatory WhatsApp messages, hoping my replies would be delivered upon landing.
A Hero’s Welcome
In Delhi, we met Prime Minister Narendra Modi before heading to Mumbai for an unforgettable homecoming. The streets from Nariman Point to Wankhede Stadium were packed with fans. What usually takes five minutes took over three hours.
People climbed trees, blocked roads, and cheered endlessly. Mumbai, the city that never stops, paused for us. It was surreal, and the magnitude of what we had achieved truly sank in. Winning a World Cup is a joy unmatched by anything else in cricket.
Reflections and What Lies Ahead
For me, being part of this victorious squad is a legacy that will last forever. Years from now, my name will always be linked to this historic triumph. It’s a reminder that representing your country isn’t just about stats—it’s about winning trophies.
Returning to Kanpur, my hometown, was equally overwhelming. Thousands welcomed me, and I spent hours meeting well-wishers. Amid the celebrations, the most common question was, “Now that you’ve won the World Cup, when are you getting married?” I had no answer! But a dear photographer friend created an album capturing our entire World Cup journey—a keepsake I’ll treasure forever.
Looking to 2025
The year 2024 was a mix of highs and challenges. While I had a stellar Test series against England, team balance meant I played only five matches in the T20 World Cup and missed the home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand, as well as the Australia tour.
With R. Ashwin retired and Ravindra Jadeja nearing the end of his career, I now have the chance to take on the mantle of India’s leading spinner. It’s a responsibility I’ve long aspired to, and I’m ready to carry forward India’s proud spin tradition. As we enter a transition period, I aim to trouble batsmen across formats with guile and variation, continuing the legacy of excellence in Indian spin bowling.
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