Hardik Pandya breaks down after India win, says: ‘Things were unfair. I didn’t say anything for six months’

IND vs SA T20 World Cup Final: Resilient and observant Hardik Pandya, fresh from the turmoil as he took charge of Mumbai Indians, led India to a crucial victory against South Africa in the final of the T20 World Cup. Pandya was seen in tears after the match ended.

The Indian men’s cricket team all-rounder said: “Things have been unfair. I didn’t say anything for six months.”

“How have my last six months been, I haven’t said a word. I knew that if I continued to work hard, I could shine,” said Hardik Pandya.

Hardik Pandya took charge as South Africa were 161/6, just a few runs short of victory. Pandya transformed the match in elusive fashion by defending 16 runs and taking the crucial wicket of David Miller, marking a surer path to victory for the men in blue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Rohit Sharma’s men, saying, “CHAMPIONS! Our team wins the T20 World Cup in style! We are proud of the Indian cricket team. This match was HISTORICAL.”

IND vs SA T20 World Cup Final

On an emotional day, India ended their 11-year wait for a world trophy, beating South Africa, who scored seven late runs to become Cup champions of the world T20 here.

It was India’s second T20 World Cup victory after winning it in 2007 under legendary MS Dhoni in South Africa, and their first since lifting the Champions Trophy in 2013.

Star batsman Virat Kohli, who was a promising cricketer 17 years ago, made his first fifty of this tournament in the final – an elegant 76 off 59 balls with six fours and two sixes that carried India at a competitive 176 for seven.

Then the Indian bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh (2/20) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/18), worked their magic as they have done throughout this tournament, restricting South Africa to 169 for eight to propel India into their second T20 World Cup.

There were some moments of combativeness from the Proteas, who were playing in their first World Cup final.

Brief scores: India: 176/7 in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 76, Axar Patel 47; Keshav Maharaj 2/23) defeated South Africa: 169/8 in 20 overs (Henirich Klaasen 52, Jasprit Bumrah 2/18 , Arshdeep Singh 2 /20) by 7 runs.