World Cup-winning stalwart Suresh Raina attributes Australia’s triumph in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final to the astute leadership of skipper Pat Cummins. In a strategic move, Cummins chose to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision that proved pivotal as Australia restricted India to a modest total of 240 and secured a convincing six-wicket victory, led by an exceptional century from Travis Head.
Raina, reflecting on the match in his ICC column, highlighted Cummins’ shrewd captaincy, particularly praising the captain’s bowling rotations and tactical acumen. Cummins’ decision to introduce Glenn Maxwell into the attack, resulting in the dismissal of Rohit Sharma with a remarkable catch by Travis Head, showcased his strategic brilliance.
The former Indian cricketer also lauded Adam Zampa’s performance, along with Cummins’ pivotal dismissal of Virat Kohli, emphasizing Australia’s comprehensive planning and execution that outplayed India.
Australia’s fielding prowess was a standout for Raina, emphasizing their ability to save crucial runs through exceptional catching and agile fielding. Travis Head’s catch, combined with remarkable efforts from David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne in the outfield, contributed significantly to Australia’s success.
Cummins’ temperament and captaincy skills stood out as he tactically changed bowlers, putting pressure on each Indian batter despite their formidable form. Raina believes Cummins’ strategic prowess, combined with flawless planning and execution, made the difference in the final.
While India faced disappointment in their pursuit of a World Cup title, Raina remains optimistic about the team’s future. He believes the experience gained in reaching tournament later stages will serve them well in managing pressure situations, anticipating a strong performance from India in the next edition of the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in 2027.
