Hardik Pandya recalls 2017 loss after Champions Trophy win

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya reflected on the heartbreak of the 2017 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan after helping his team secure their third title with a win over New Zealand in Dubai.  

In 2017, India was chasing a huge target of 339 against Pakistan when they struggled at 54/4. Pandya, who came in at number six, started an aggressive counterattack. However, India lost another wicket soon after, as MS Dhoni was dismissed by Hasan Ali.  

Pandya played a brilliant knock, hitting four fours and six sixes in his 43-ball 76. But his innings ended after a mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja led to a run-out, crushing India's hopes of a comeback. Pakistan went on to win by 180 runs, securing their first-ever Champions Trophy title.  

After India's latest triumph, Pandya spoke about that painful memory.  

“Always amazing to win an ICC event. I remember 2017 very closely, couldn't finish that time,” he said.  

He also praised KL Rahul, who played a crucial role in India's victory.  

“Very pleased to have done it here. KL was calm, he took his chances at the right time. He has immense talent, no one can time it as well as him,” Pandya added.  

In the 2025 final, India successfully chased 252, winning by six wickets with six balls to spare. Skipper Rohit Sharma led the way with a quick half-century.  

Earlier, New Zealand managed 251 runs in their innings, with Daryl Mitchell scoring a fifty. However, India’s bowlers worked together to keep the Blackcaps from reaching a bigger total.