NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya will never forget the iconic Thursday evening at the jam-packed Wankhede Stadium. About two months ago, during IPL 2024, Pandya faced boos and jeers from the Wankhede crowd. However, those boos turned into resounding cheers as Pandya played a crucial role in Team India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in Barbados.


Pandya delivered vital breakthroughs with the ball during the high-stakes final clash against South Africa. He claimed the crucial wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, helping India secure a thrilling victory. India clinched their second T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa by a narrow margin of seven runs.

India captain Rohit Sharma on Thursday lauded Pandya for his exceptional performance in the final over.


“This trophy is for the entire nation. Along with all the players who have represented the country, we want to dedicate it to our fans, who have waited for 11 years,” said Rohit during the event.

​​List of trophies won by Rohit Sharma​

Rohit hailed the Wankhede crowd and said thank you to them.

“Mumbai never disappoints. We got a solid reception. On behalf of the team, we would like to thank the fans. I am very, very happy and relieved,” Rohit said during the event,” the right-hand batter added.

Rohit, who became the second captain, after MS Dhoni in 2007, to guide India to a T20 World Cup title win, lauded Pandya for his brilliance in the last over of the final.


“Hardik was bowling the final over for us. Hats off to him for bowling that last over. You know, no matter how many runs you need, there is always so much pressure to bowl that over. But hats off to him,” the 37-year-old concluded.

Pandya also became the World No. 1 allrounder in T20Is following India’s title triumph.

Pandya made impactful contributions down the order with the bat and proved crucial with breakthroughs when the team needed him. He finished the tournament with 144 runs at a striking rate of over 150 and also took 11 wickets.