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After India’s wait for an ICC title ended on Saturday, June 29, vice-captain and all-rounder Hardik Pandya opened up on his last few months. The Rohit Sharma-led Team India defeated South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados to lift the T20 World Cup 2024 title.
Although, with this win, India joined the likes of West Indies and England to win two T20 World Cup titles, they also ended their T20 World Champions title drought after winning it in the inaugural edition in 2007. After this convincing win over the Protea Men, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya opened up on his struggles from last few months.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Hardik said, "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.” He catered this win to be even more special seeing the backlash he has received from the last few months. Highlighting on it, Hardik further added, “More special for me, how my last 6 months were, I haven’t spoken a word. I knew that if I kept working hard I could shine and do what I could do. Getting an opportunity like this makes it more special."
"We always believed, it was just about executing our plans and staying calm and letting the pressure come to them. Credit to Jassi (Bumrah) and the other bowlers for those last 5 overs. Knew it would not help me if I wasn’t calm, wanted to commit 100% to every ball I’ve bowled. I’ve always enjoyed pressure," Pandya added.
Enjoyed working with him: Hardik Pandya on Rahul Dravid
When asked about the former Indian cricketer and head coach Rahul Dravid, Hardik added, "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.”
It is to be noted that Rahul Dravid ends his stint as Head Coach taking India to three ICC finals across all three formats, on three separate continents and with one ICC title.
