NEW DELHI: Indian all-rounder
Hardik Pandya
, a key figure in India's
T20 World Cup
win, shared his elation after the
victory parade
, held in Mumbai on Thursday.
Pandya, who scored 144 runs and took 11 wickets in eight matches, was asked about where he was when India last won the T20 World Cup back in 2007.
With a grin on his face, Pandya responded, "I must have been on the road.
In 2011, I was on the road, celebrating the same team. It feels surreal because, after a 13-year wait for the next trophy, we have it, and I am part of the team. It's Bombay, where my journey started. There's no bigger pleasure or blessing than this. I am very fortunate to be part of something so amazing, which I will remember for the rest of my life."
Commenting on the victory parade, he added, "That's what we all work hard for. We all strive for these kinds of situations, this kind of atmosphere, and the happiness we can create. Mumbai didn't disappoint. Aamchi Mumbai (Our Mumbai)."
In a conversation with Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi
, Pandya revealed that he had not lost his temper during difficult times, making the victory even more significant.
Despite facing public criticism and boos during the Indian Premier League (
IPL) 2024 season, the 30-year-old showcased resilience, letting his performance speak volumes.
During the IPL 2024 season, Pandya faced harsh criticism from Mumbai Indians fans and social media trolls. After a successful two-year stint with the Gujarat Titans, which included winning the title in their debut season in 2022, Pandya returned to Mumbai Indians. His appointment as captain, replacing
Rohit Sharma
, led to a massive backlash from fans both online and in stadiums across India.
Despite these challenges, Pandya's contributions to India's World Cup victory have cemented his place as a key player and a resilient leader, bringing immense pride to himself and his team.
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