Throughout the IPL 2024, all-rounder Hardik Pandya of Star India was jeered. The supporters were not pleased with his transfer from the Gujarat Titans to the Mumbai Indians, particularly after he took Rohit Sharma’s spot as MI captain. Days later, the jeers turned into racial epithets and foul language, but Pandya never addressed any of the criticism. Mumbai finished last in the league under his direction. As a result, some supporters wanted him removed from the India squad for the T20 World Cup, but the BCCI and the selectors strongly supported him.
He showed them how much faith they had in him by performing really well in the major competition. Pandya established himself as one of the team’s most vital players by contributing significantly to India’s victory in its second T20 World Cup. Pandya was crying when he spoke to the host broadcaster following the victory, demonstrating his heightened emotional state. The 30-year-old said he didn’t cry even though things were difficult.
In the meantime, Hardik has captured the hearts of Indian supporters once more. It is encouraging to observe that, following team India’s return from the West Indies, the fans were applauding his name, considering how he was jeered throughout the nation during the IPL. After responding to ITC Maurya, Hardik also had a happy expression and sliced a cake.
This isn’t just a game and it never was. And for a certain Hardik Pandya who has had an emotional whiplash in the last six months or so, the T20 World Cup crowning was his moment, and now arrives home a hero. #T20WorldCup
📸 – Anand Iyer. pic.twitter.com/bQDzK8VWGF
— Vignesh Bharadwaj (@VBharadwaj31) July 4, 2024
He was dressed in a customised India jersey that the BCCI had made for the lavish celebration. All of the players were dressed alike, with the word “Champion” replacing the sponsor’s name, and BCCI executives were dressed in suits. The victorious squad will all pay a visit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. Following this, they will return for a short while to the team hotel before heading to Mumbai for a lavish celebration.
Star Indian player Virat Kohli was also treated to a lavish welcome at the team hotel in the meantime. The footage of the “Kohli, Kohli” chants that were used to greet him went viral on social media.
“KOHLI, KOHLI, KOHLI” Chants at the Hotel. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/wY6TbZdcrA
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 4, 2024
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