T20 WC FINAL: Pandya reveals the unfair treatment he faced in the last 6 months

T20 WC FINAL 2024: Emotional India star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who broke down after the Men in Blue won the T20 World Cup, opened up about the challenging six months leading up to the momentous event and said he didn’t utter a word. Speaking to the broadcaster after the game, Pandya reflected on the last six months and revealed that he didn’t lose his cool even once when things were going wrong, which was why the win felt even more meaningful. Mumbai Indians (MI) supporters and social media trolls were very harsh on Pandya during the Indian Premier League 2024.

MI has Gujarat Titans (GT) Pandya was brought back after a two-year stint with the franchise, which included winning the title in his debut season in 2022, but replacing Rohit Sharma as captain led to massive criticism on social media for the all-rounder and the franchise. Pandya was booed in stadiums across India during matches Pandya said India stayed calm throughout the game and always believed they could win.

Indian Premier League Despite being ruthlessly trolled on a personal and professional level during the 2014-15, he created what might have been the World Cup-winning moment by dismissing Heinrich Klaasen.

How my last 6 months have been, I didn’t say a word, things were unfair. I knew if I kept working hard I could shine and do what I can. Getting an opportunity like this makes it even more special. We always believed it’s just about executing our plans and staying calm and not letting the pressure get to you,” Pandya said in the post-match presentation. As the pressure started mounting, India came back in the game with Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah putting together a brilliant back-end effort in the final overs which helped India win the game by 7 runs. Bumrah was named the Player of the Tournament for his brilliant 15 wickets. “Credit goes to Jassi (Bumrah) and the rest of the bowlers for those last 5 overs. I knew if I didn’t stay calm it wouldn’t help me, I wanted to give 100% with every ball I bowled. I have always enjoyed pressure. So happy for them,” Pandya said.

The all-rounder expressed his happiness for outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid. “He is a great person, it was really fun working with him, it’s great to bid him farewell like this, we have had a great relationship with him and we have become friends. I am very happy for all the support staff,” he said. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric. The excited Indian players came on the pitch to join the celebrations as soon as the dugout was emptied. The entire stadium was filled with uproar with the loud noise of the fans. Meanwhile, it was another heartbreak moment for South Africa.