Former India cricketer and Yuvraj Singh's father Yograj Singh lavished praise on Hardik Pandya for his performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against Australia at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. India defeated Australia by four wickets to seal their berth in the final which will take place on March 9. Despite dealing with a twisted knee, Hardik played a crucial in India's win against England. He came to bat when India needed 40 runs off 42 balls. When India were in pressure, Hardik smashed two sixes to change the momentum of the game.
Hardik's innings of 28 off 24 balls, featuring three sixes and a four, played a crucial role in the Men in Blue's successful chase. After India's win against Australia, Yograj urged cricket fans to back the cricketers because they are giving their blood and sweat for the country.
"Cricket is a religion in our country. When these players, who give their blood and sweat for us, when they fall, pick them up, when they feel sad, console them; when they cannot walk, then lift them on your shoulders. Hardik's knee was twisted. He could not walk, but still, he took the match on the winning side. People should learn from this. People should be positive, irrespective of win or loss. If you keep talking down on a player, he goes down forever. Hardik Pandya's knee got twisted today," Yograj was quoted as saying by Lokmat Times.
India's opposition for the final will be decided after the South Africa vs New Zealand semifinal clash, which will take place on March 5. However, Yograj predicted that India will face New Zealand in the final.
"India is in the finals today. The final will be between New Zealand and India and India will win," Yograj concluded.
