An emotional moment between all-rounder Hardik Pandya and skipper Rohit Sharma marked the end of the game. As he was speaking to the all-rounder during the match, the Indian captain planted a kiss on his cheek following the triumph. In a thrilling final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29, Team India (IND) defeated South Africa (SA) by a mere seven runs to win the T20 World Cup.
India won the toss and elected to bat first on a wicket that was conducive to batting, setting the Proteas a formidable target of 177 runs. The last over of the game saw the most action, with South Africa needing 16 runs to win. For this vital over, Rohit Sharma gave Pandya the ball. In order to guarantee India’s triumph, Pandya responded to the situation magnificently, giving up just seven runs while taking two crucial wickets of David Miller and Kagiso Rabada.
“Has significant meaning. It has a strong emotional component. Despite our best efforts, something did not seem to be connecting. Since I have been thankful for keeping quiet for the past six months, I believe it is even more special for me. Although things haven’t been fair, I think that if I keep working hard, my moment will come. That, in my opinion, covers everything. After the game, Hardik remarked, “Winning and especially getting an opportunity like this was a dream.”
See the Rohit-Hardik moment that went viral here:
Hardik and Rohit Sharma 💙 pic.twitter.com/2BzDV2XSau
— Virat AV (@av_vk18) June 29, 2024
Make sure I give it everything I have when I bowl a ball: Hardik Pandya
In addition, Hardik Pandya talked candidly on maintaining composure under pressure. He gave appreciation to Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah for bowling those tough overs and bringing India back into the match.
“We’ve always thought we can succeed. It all came down to being composed and carrying out the ideas. And let them to feel the pressure. The last four or five overs were brilliantly bowled by Jassie and the quick bowlers; that completely transformed the game,” he continued.
Speaking about Indian head coach Rahul Dravid, who was leading the Indian team for the final time, was the all-round player. Pandya talked candidly about having experienced this before and working on the side. Ultimately, he concluded by stating that this was the most appropriate send-off for the head coach.
“I realised that it won’t benefit me if I can’t remain composed. It was so easy for me to carry out my preparations and ensure that I gave every ball I bowled my all. Although I may not have prevailed in the past, I always thrive under pressure. My run up speed suddenly picks up. It’s been amazing,” he continued.
Also Read: Before the T20 World Cup final versus South Africa, Axar Patel analyses the semi-final theatrics and says it “wouldn’t have worked had I bowled quicker.”
“I must say, I’m thrilled for him. Had a great time working with him. way is how his coaching career comes to an end, to bid him farewell like way. We got along great, even turning become friends. Extremely glad and thrilled for him,” Hardik Pandya said.
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