NEW DELHI: Following India’s overcome New Zealand to clinch the ICC Champions Trophy title, all-rounder Hardik Pandya fondly remembered his late father, acknowledging that his blessings have performed a major function in his success.
Hardik delivered one more impactful efficiency in a significant match, contributing with each bat and ball to India’s victorious marketing campaign. He scored 99 runs in 4 innings, with a prime rating of 45, and picked up 4 wickets. His constant performances in ICC tournaments reaffirm his repute as a dependable match-winner for the Males in Blue.
Reflecting on his journey, Hardik spoke emotionally throughout a post-match interplay with the media.
“From the place we (he and his brother Krunal Pandya, who has additionally performed for India) have come, this was all only a dream for us. We had by no means considered this. I believe we will simply thank God and maintain working tougher, and he retains giving us. We’re blessed for our dad and mom, to have them say that you simply obtain your objective and we’re right here. Though our father will not be with us, I do know he’s watching us, he has been blessing us with the issues we’re getting,” he mentioned.
The Champions Trophy 2025 victory was notably particular for Hardik, because it fulfilled a long-standing aspiration.
Eight years in the past, within the 2017 ultimate in opposition to Pakistan, he performed a valiant knock of 76 in a difficult chase of 339 runs however fell in need of lifting the trophy.
Now, with this title in hand, he lastly feels a way of closure.
“These eight years have been so lengthy. A lot has occurred. On the identical time, India’s win has been crucial for me. If that occurs, toh sab bhala. I hope everyone seems to be comfortable again dwelling and celebrating,” he added.
Hardik additionally shared insights into his mindset as a senior participant, emphasizing that he by no means distinguishes between seniors and juniors within the crew.
“No matter I’ve discovered in my profession to date in 9-10 years, if I’m able to share my experiences with newer guys, I’m not serving to simply him, however simply serving to my crew. If I’m able to contribute even 1 per cent and that participant is ready to carry out higher, that has at all times been my mindset,” he mentioned.
Acknowledging the challenges he has confronted in each life and cricket, Hardik expressed his philosophy of at all times confronting obstacles head-on.
“If you don’t depart the battlefield, you’ll have an opportunity. If you happen to go dwelling and cry, you wouldn’t have the ability to see the result. If you happen to dive, you’ll have the ability to cease the ball. If you don’t, you wouldn’t find a way to take action. This studying has helped me with life and cricket each,” he added.
Talking about his function as an all-rounder, Hardik revealed that bowling holds a particular place in his coronary heart.
“If Hardik is bowling, I don’t have to fret about my batting as a result of it may handle itself. I’ve ready myself for sport conditions. I used to be keen on hitting sixes since I used to be 14. I didn’t have energy again then, however now I’ve energy. It’s my arduous work that’s paying off,” he mentioned.
Discussing his unwavering self-belief, he emphasised the significance of belief and preparation.
“If you don’t belief your self, how can others belief you? I’ve at all times trusted myself. I’ve at all times ready behind the scenes. What you put together, it will get mirrored in your sport. Preserving my calm, watch the ball after which hit whether it is in your arc,” he added.
Hardik additionally highlighted the collective spirit inside the Indian crew, stating that success isn’t about people however about celebrating one another’s achievements.
“We consider that everybody can do one thing magical,” he concluded.
