Hardik Pandya has not only turned heads with his stellar performances on the cricket field but has also won over fans who once jeered him during the IPL. His heroic display at the T20 World Cup has transformed those jeers into cheers, marking a significant turnaround in his career.
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Hardik bhai ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ pic.twitter.com/gRwXsfizVE
— Nikhil (@TheCric8Boy) July 17, 2024
During a felicitation ceremony at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, a fan threw a T-shirt at Pandya during his victory lap, showcasing the newfound adoration from supporters. In Vadodara, a fan threw a tennis ball at him during an open-top bus parade, and Pandya instinctively caught it with one hand, delighting the crowd.
Pandya’s outstanding performance in the T20 World Cup included scoring 144 runs in six innings at an impressive average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 151.57, in addition to claiming 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.64 and an average of 17.36 in eight matches.
India clinched the ICC trophy after an 11-year drought, with Pandya’s crucial contributions in the final against South Africa highlighted by his 3/20 bowling figures. Reflecting on his journey, Pandya expressed gratitude for overcoming injury setbacks and achieving success with the Indian team.
“It was a challenging journey after my injury during the 2023 Cup, but winning the T20 World Cup has made it all worthwhile. Hard work and dedication truly pay off,” Hardik Pandya remarked, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and fitness in achieving goals.
Pandya’s brother, Krunal, also joined him during a celebratory roadshow in their hometown, underscoring the family’s joy and pride in Hardik’s accomplishments.