Watch: Rishabh Pant admits 'faking injury' during T20 World Cup final against South Africa

Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his alleged 'fake injury' during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa in Barbados. Pant opened up about the strategic thinking that helped India secure their second T20 World Cup title after a nail-biting finish.

India were under immense pressure as South Africa gained momentum in the middle overs while chasing a target of 177. With the Proteas needing just 26 runs from 24 balls and in-form batter Heinrich Klaasen at the crease, the game seemed to be slipping away from the Men in Blue.

At this point, Pant tried to slow down the match and shift the tide towards India. Pant revealed that he intentionally called for the team physio, faking a knee injury to slow down the game's pace. 

"I was thinking about this. Because suddenly the momentum shifted. There were a lot of runs in 2-3 overs. So, I was thinking, when the moment will come when you are playing the World Cup final. So, I was telling the physio, that you take your time, keep wasting the time. He was asking me if I was okay. I told him I'm just acting. Sometimes in such a match situation, I am not saying that it works every time, But sometimes it works. And if it works in such a moment, you want nothing else.," Pant said on "Star Nahi Far" interview by Star Sport.

Watch the video below: 

The break in play broke South Africa's rhythm, particularly affecting the concentration of the inform Klaasen. Upon resumption of play, Hardik Pandya immediately removed Klaasen, who had already smashed 52 runs off just 27 balls. This wicket changed the momentum back in India's favour. 

However, Pant's contribution to India's title victory has been vital. Throughout the tournament, he played a crucial role, scoring 171 runs in eight innings with a strike rate of 127.61.

This T20 World Cup was particularly special for the southpaw, marking his return to international cricket following a serious accident in 2022. Despite being dismissed for a duck in the final, his overall performance proved to be important in the team's success. Meanwhile, Pant is gearing up for an action-packed Test schedule. He recently played a part in India's 2-0 Test series win over Bangladesh and will next play in the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand.