India’s success in winning their first World Cup trophy in thirteen years was largely down to Hardik Pandya, an all-round player who not only eliminated Klaasen in the 17th over but also successfully defended 15 runs against David Miller in the final over. India won the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa by a score of 7 runs. In the middle of the match, India withstood a Heinrich Klaasen storm by remaining composed and dragging the game back.
After India won the World Cup, former cricketer Ambati Rayudu took to Twitter to express his anger with the supporters of Hardik Pandya who had been jeered throughout the Indian Premier League’s 2024 season. From the first MI game after Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as captain, the supporters have always harassed him.
When the captain was jeered at the toss on his home field, announcer Sanjay Manjrekar instructed the audience to behave. After one of the games back then, former Mumbai batter Ambati Rayudu demonstrated his generosity by going to the Mumbai dressing room to comfort Pandya. An IPL legend named Rayudu spent much of his playing career in Mumbai and Chennai. A day after the game, MI posted a video of the pair to their social media accounts.
Hardik Pandya Has Redeemed Himself
Rayudu chastised the supporters on Saturday for jeering Pandya. The player’s mental toughness to maintain composure under such turbulent moments was praised by the former hitter. He said :
“I think it is great on his part. Such great mental strength and now I dare anybody to boo him in India. You know, if you can. If you can try and do that, you will know you will know it and he is an amazing individual and I have played with him, you know, in my state team. And he’s an amazing guy, an amazing human being, and that’s why that’s why he could come through this storm, get through this storm that he had just a few months back and to come back that strongly is unbelievable and you know he’s a world champion now,”
“He’s been a match winner for India for a very, very long time and today he has shown it again. You know his value in the fight by picking that wicket of Klaasen and then totally finishing the game for India. Look at that. Look at that emotion,” he further added.
After winning the T20 World Cup, Hardik Pandya was seen crying, overcome by the emotion of the occasion. Pandya’s journey, from becoming India’s most hated public enemy to winning a world championship, is the perfect example of perseverance and atonement. His happy tears were the fruition of years of diligence and determination.
As the team rejoiced, Rohit Sharma moved up to give Hardik Pandya a hug and a kiss on the forehead, turning the moment into one of the most unforgettable in recent Indian cricket history.