India ended their decades-long wait for a T20 World Cup title with a nail-biting seven-run victory over South Africa in the final held at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. The Indian team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, showcased resilience and determination, lifting the coveted trophy for the second time, joining the ranks of West Indies and England.
Vice-captain Hardik Pandya played a crucial role throughout the tournament, amassing 144 runs and claiming 11 wickets. His standout performance in the final, with figures of 3 for 20, was instrumental in guiding India to victory. Pandya’s dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen, at a critical juncture when South Africa needed 30 runs off 30 balls, was a turning point in the match.
The atmosphere at the Kensington Oval was electric, filled with celebration and raw emotion. As the last wicket fell, sealing India’s victory, Rohit Sharma collapsed to the ground in relief, while head coach Rahul Dravid leapt from his chair in jubilation. The triumph resonated deeply with millions of passionate Indian fans worldwide.
Hardik Pandya’s World Cup Trophy winning celebrations. 🥶 (Video – ICC). pic.twitter.com/fYEGaKBv4r
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 29, 2024
Post-match, a video of Hardik Pandya repeating his viral ‘cold shoulder shrug’ has garnered over a lakh views on social media. The emotional all-rounder, who faced intense scrutiny and criticism in recent months, was seen crying as he absorbed the magnitude of the achievement. Rohit Sharma, in a heartfelt moment, kissed Pandya on the cheek during his post-match speech.
Reflecting on the journey, Pandya said, “It means a lot. Very emotional, we’d been working very hard and something was not clicking. But today we got what the whole nation wanted. More special for me, is how my last six months were, I haven’t spoken a word. I knew that if I kept working hard, I could shine and do what I could do. Getting an opportunity like this makes it more special. We always believed it was just about executing our plans and staying calm and letting the pressure come to them.”
Pandya’s perseverance and determination have been exemplary, transforming him from a criticised public figure to a World Cup hero