Hardik Pandya sheds tears while opening up

Speaking to the broadcaster after the match, Pandya reflected on the previous six months and revealed that he had not once lost his temper when things were going wrong, which is why the win felt all the more significant to him. Mumbai Indians (MI) fans and social media trolls have been very harsh on Pandya during the Indian Premier League 2024.

MI brought back Pandya after a 2-year stinker with the Gujrat Titans (GT), who had their first winning session in 2022, but the replacement of Rohit Sharma as captain led to a massive backlash on social media. Pandya was even booed in stadiums across India during matches.

Pandya said India remained calm throughout the match and always believed they could win. Even though he was mercilessly criticised during the IPL, both personally and professionally, he said that this could be the defining moment for the World Cup, according to many.

“It means a lot. It was very emotional, we had worked very hard and something was wrong. But today we got what the whole nation wanted. What’s even more special to me is that I’ve spent the last six months without saying a word, things have been unfair. I knew that if I continued to work hard, I could shine and do what I could do. Having an opportunity like this makes it even more special. We always felt it was just about executing our plans, staying calm and letting the pressure come on them,” Pandya said during the post-match presentation.

“I believe in grace. A lot of things have been said by people who don’t even know me 100% as a person. People spoke, without problem, but I have always believed in life that we never respond with words, that circumstances can respond. »

As the pressure began to build, India made a comeback in the final as Pandya and Bumrah combined to produce a superb back-footed effort to help India win by 7 runs.

“Credit to Jassi (Bumrah) and the other bowlers for those last 5 overs. I knew it wouldn’t help me if I wasn’t calm, I wanted to give 100 per cent on every ball I bowled. I always enjoy pressure. Very happy for him,” Pandya said.

The stadium had a completely different atmosphere. Full of enthusiasm, the Indian players ran wild on the pitch, while other players from the bench joined them to celebrate with the others. A powerful symphonic echo filled the entire stadium as the crowd let out their roars. Meanwhile, for South Africa, it was another heartbreak.