All-rounder Hardik Pandya could not hold on to his emotions after he helped India end their trophy drought by defeating South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final.
Pandya picked the key wicket of South Africa’s batting mainstay Heinrich Klaasen, followed by a brilliant last over. Defending 15 runs in the last over, he removed the pinch hitter David Miller on the first ball to seal the game for India.
The all-rounder faced massive criticism over the past few months after he replaced Rohit Sharma as the captain of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians.
Speaking after the match, Pandya expressed his emotions and reflected on the treatment he received during the last six months, which he termed ‘unfair.’
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“It means a lot. Very emotional, we’ve been working very hard and something was not clicking. But today we got what 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,” Hardik Pandya shared.
“An opportunity like this makes it all the more special. We always believed, stayed calm, and let the pressure come to them [South Africa]. I have been in this situation, I enjoy the pressure situation.”
The star player also talked about Indian head coach Rahul Dravid, who announced before the tournament that this would be his last assignment.
“Very happy for him (Dravid), he’s been a wonderful man, really enjoyed working with him, to give him a farewell like this is wonderful, have had a very good relationship with him and became friends. Very happy for all the support staff,” he added.