Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was given a hero’s welcome in his hometown Vadodara after his team’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue defeated South Africa in the final of the tournament by 7 runs and claimed their second T20 World Cup title, having won the first one in 2007.
Hardik Pandya played a pivotal role in India’s triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup as he showed his best game with both bat and ball. The all-rounder was going through a tough time ahead of the tournament but made sure he gave his best when his team needed him the most.
Hardik Pandya showed great form right from the start and made sure that he maintained the same intensity throughout the tournament. The all-rounder pitched in for his team at crucial moments in the matches and helped the team bounce back in most of the matches, be it with his batting or bowling.
It was a great redemption for Hardik Pandya, especially with what happened to him in the last few months. The all-rounder was given the captaincy of Mumbai Indians and since then nothing went right for him. He did not receive any support from the fans when he took over the leadership from Rohit Sharma.
Hardik Pandya received a lot of boos from the fans and things did not go his way with his performances. The all-rounder failed to find form with the bat and ball throughout the tournament and his leadership was also not very good as Mumbai Indians finished the tournament in the bottom half of the points table.
However, when it mattered the most, Hardik Pandya delivered his best and helped India win the 2024 T20 World Cup. He was the team’s MVP in the tournament and was also the biggest factor in the win against South Africa in the final. He defended 16 runs in the last over and helped India end an 11-year title drought.
Hardik Pandya made a huge impact for India in their T20 World Cup victory. The all-rounder scored 144 runs at an average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 151.57 in six innings and was even more exceptional with the ball. He picked up 11 wickets in 25 overs at an economy rate of 7.64.
Upon arriving in India, Hardik Pandya received standing ovations from the fans. From boos to cheers, the all-rounder’s comeback was nothing short of exceptional. During the victory parade in Mumbai, he was the face of the team as fans chanted his name both on the streets and at the Wankhede Stadium.
Hardik Pandya catches a ball during a roadshow
Following this, Hardik Pandya went to his hometown Vadodara and attended a tour to celebrate India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Hundreds of people turned up to support him as he made his presence felt on an open-top bus and acknowledged the support of the fans.
However, during the roadshow, Hardik Pandya also showed great reflexes. One of the fans threw a tennis ball at him and the all-rounder in the blink of an eye realised it and caught it with one hand. The video went viral on the internet. Here is the clip:
What a knock by Hardik Pandya! 😂👌 pic.twitter.com/30Faj7aNCQ
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 17, 2024