Team India all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, pondered on overcoming a hard beyond few months following their win in the 2024 T20 World Cup final towards South Africa. He stepped up when it was important, especially along with his crucial bowling overall performance in Barbados on June 29.
Called upon late in the game as South Africa closed in on victory, Pandya bowled two crucial overs. He crucially dismissed Heinrich Klaasen, who was threatening with a quickfire 52 off 27 balls, conceding just four runs to keep India in contention.
In the final over, defending 16 runs, Pandya conceded only eight runs and took two wickets, sealing India’s seven-run victory and their second T20 World Cup title. Pandya’s figures of 3/20 in three overs played a decisive role in India’s triumph, showcasing his all-round abilities under pressure.
Amid the jubilant celebrations, Hardik spoke with Star Sports, reflecting on his journey from a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign to this victorious moment.
“It’s very emotional, something was not clicking, but this was something the whole nation wanted. Special for me after my six months, I haven’t spoken a word, things have been unfair, but I knew there’d be a time I could shine. An opportunity like this makes it all the more special,” said Hardik Pandya.
He further added:
“We always believed, stayed calm, let the pressure come to them. Last over, I knew I had to execute my plans. All of a sudden my run-up speed increases. I have been in this situation, I enjoy the pressure situation.”
Hardik Pandya took charge as the captain of Mumbai Indians (MI) for the 2024 IPL season, Substituting Rohit Sharma. However, he faced rivals from enthusiasts at maximum stadiums due to his subpar performances, ensuing in the team finishing at the lowest of the points table.
Hardik Pandya excelled with both bat and ball for India in the 2024 T20 World Cup
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Hardik Pandya bounced back impressively from his disappointing 2024 IPL campaign during the recently concluded T20 World Cup.
As a finisher with the bat, he scored 144 runs in eight matches at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 151.57. His bowling also contributed significantly to India’s balanced team, complementing three spinners in the playing XI.
Hardik claimed 11 wickets at an outstanding average of 17.36 and an economy rate of 7.64. Despite departing India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign halfway due to damage, his all-round contributions performed a critical position in ending India’s 11 years ICC title drought.
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