Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya played a crucial role in India's nail-biting triumph over South Africa in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Final. Regardless of the number of runs needed, the pressure on the bowler in the final over of a chase is immense. Hardik successfully defended 15 runs in the final over of T20 World Cup, dismissing dangerous David Miller on the first ball.
Pandya, who faced boos from fans during IPL 2024 for replacing Rohit as MI skipper, emerged as one of the key contributors to India's seven-run victory in the summit clash.
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Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya's brother, Krunal Pandya, took to Instagram on Saturday (June 6) to praise the all-rounder for staying grounded and silencing his critics with his performance during the T20 World Cup.
"It's almost been a decade since Hardik and I started playing professional cricket. And the last few days have been like a fairy tale that we've dreamt off. Like every countryman I've lived this through our teams heroics and I couldn't be more emotional with my brother being at the heart of it," Krunal captioned a photo album.
"The last six months have been the toughest for Hardik. He simply didn't deserve what he went through, and as a brother, I felt very, very bad for him. From booing, to people saying all kinds of nasty things, at the end of the day, we all forgot that he is just a human being who also has emotions. He somehow passed through all of this with a smile, though I know how hard it was for him to put on a smile. He kept working hard and focusing on what he needed to do to get the World Cup since that was his ultimate objective."
"For Hardik, it has always been country first, and it will always be that way. For a young boy coming from Baroda, there can be no bigger achievement than helping his team win the World Cup. Hardik, I am so, so proud of you. I love you so much, and you deserve every bit of happiness and all the good things that are coming your way. I have immense respect for you, my bachhu," he added.