Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya's redemption arc is one to remember for ages. Months after getting booed by the homecrowd in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Pandya performed when it mattered the most. Pandya getting the prized wicket of Heinrich Klaasen brought India back into the game and helped them win by seven runs to end the ICC trophy drought with their second IPL title. The end of India’s T20 World Cup campaign also marked an end to senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s T20I career. Pandya said that the two legendary players got the best farewell the team could give them.
"There is a lot of time for 2026. I am very happy for both Rohit and Virat...two giants and legends of Indian cricket thoroughly deserved this. It has been so amazing playing with them for so many years. We all will miss them but at the same point, this is the best farewell we can give them," Pandya told ANI at Kensigton Oval, Barbados.
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It all came down to Pandya
Pandya bagged three wickets for 20 runs in three overs despite going for 10 runs in his first over. The Baroda all-rounder struggled for words to describe how he felt after winning the first major ICC event of his career. He pointed out that it all came down to him when South Africa needed 26 runs from 24 balls with set batters Klaasen and David Miller in the middle.
"Feel very special...this was always a dream. I can't describe the feelings...everything came down to me at the end...I am very happy for the team...I believe in grace, a lot of things were said about me, nobody knows the person Hardik Pandya but everybody spoke about me...I always believed in life to give reply through situations," he added.
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Pandya gets emotional
The Indian vice-captain broke down in tears after bowling the last ball of the match. Teammates rushed to him to celebrate the title win. He was overwhelmed by emotions and took his time before saying anything. Later, he was embraced by skipper Rohit who hugged and kissed him on the cheek putting an end to all the rumours of animosity between the two.
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