June 29, 2024

Hardik Pandya: ‘Very unfair’ Better treatment and preparation lead to T20 World Cup victory ‘more special’

Hardik Pandya recently described his performance in the T20 World Cup final as “more special” due to the “very unfair” treatment he received in the months leading up to the tournament. Pandya’s reflections came in the aftermath of India’s remarkable victory in the final, where he played a crucial role. He expressed mixed emotions, drawing attention to his challenges before the competition, making the triumph more meaningful.

Pandya’s Challenging IPL Season

Pandya entered the T20 World Cup after enduring a tough season in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His return to the Mumbai Indians (MI), a franchise with which he had previously experienced tremendous success, was highly anticipated. The excitement was exceptionally high as he was handed the captaincy, taking over from Rohit Sharma, a seasoned leader and one of India’s most successful captains in the IPL. But things did not go as planned for the season.

Mumbai Indians, a team known for their dominance in the IPL, struggled throughout the tournament. Under Pandya’s leadership, they faced several defeats, eventually finishing at the bottom of the IPL 2024 points table. This was an unexpected and disappointing outcome for a team used to competing for the championship. Pandya, as captain, bore the brunt of the criticism, with fans often questioning his decisions on and off the field.

Harsh Criticism from Fans

What made the situation even more challenging for Pandya was the reaction from fans, both of the Mumbai Indians and rival teams. The criticism became more vocal as the season wore on, and Mumbai’s performances failed to improve. In several matches, fans at the stadium could be heard booing him, and social media was awash with negative comments. Pandya was frequently targeted for his performances, captaincy decisions, and leadership qualities.

It wasn’t just the typical fan disappointment players often deal with after a few poor performances. The level of scrutiny on Pandya was unusually harsh. Being compared to Rohit Sharma, who had led Mumbai to multiple IPL titles, only intensified the pressure. Every move Pandya made as captain was dissected and every failure was amplified. It was clear that this period took a toll on him, both mentally and emotionally.

Resilience and Determination

Despite the overwhelming criticism, Pandya remained determined to prove his worth. Instead of letting the negativity affect his confidence, he used it as motivation to work harder. Behind the scenes, he focused on improving his game and preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The criticism and setbacks only seemed to fuel his desire to bounce back stronger. He stayed focused on the bigger picture and did not allow his disappointing IPL season to define him.

As the T20 World Cup approached, there was much speculation about how Pandya would perform, especially given the challenging period he had just endured. Would he be able to put the IPL struggles behind him? Could he still deliver in high-pressure situations? Pandya answered those questions emphatically in the World Cup final.

A Turning Point in the World Cup Championship

Pandya’s performance in the T20 World Cup final was remarkable. His all-around display was pivotal in securing India’s victory, reminding him of his immense talent and ability to perform on the biggest stage. In the final, Pandya contributed aggressive batting and delivered critical breakthroughs with the ball, showcasing his all-around skills.

For Pandya, this moment was more than just about winning a trophy. It was about redemption and silencing the critics who had doubted him just a few months earlier. In his own words, the victory was “more special” because of the arduous journey he had been through. The sense of vindication was palpable as Pandya reflected on how far he had come, from being booed in the IPL to being a hero for India on the global stage.

“It means a lot,” he told the host broadcaster. “It’s very emotional. We’ve been working very hard but something was not clicking. I think today was a day where we could feel what the whole nation wanted, so many people supporting. It’s more special for me [after] my six months. I’ve been very graceful of not speaking a word. Things have been very unfair but I believed that if I keep working hard, I will be able to shine and do what I’ve always done, and that sums everything up. It was a dream to win, and getting an opportunity like this makes it even more special.”

Thinking back on the match, Pandya praised India’s incredible victory. South Africa needed a run a ball with six wickets in hand with only five overs to go. However, India expertly applied pressure, turning the tide and securing a thrilling victory.

“We always believed we can do it, it was just about if we execute our plans, stay calm and let the pressure come to them,” Pandya said. “Credit to Jassy [Jasprit Bumrah] and the fast bowlers, the way they bowled those last four or five overs changed everything. It was about time to get it.”

Pandya played a crucial role with the ball, claiming figures of 3 for 20, which included the pivotal wicket of Heinrich Klaasen. He bowled the last over as India won by a thrilling seven runs, snapping their 17-year World Cup title drought. Overcome with emotion, he broke down in tears immediately after the win.

“I knew if I’m not going to be calm, it’s not going to help me, so for me it was still that I execute my plans, and every ball I bowl I commit 100 per cent,” he said. “I’ve been in this situation, I’ve not won it, but for me I’ve always enjoyed pressure situations. All of a sudden my heartbeat increased as well when the time came.”

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