Hardik Pandya responds to critics following India's T20 World Cup win against South Africa

After helping India clinch the T20 World Cup 2024 with a stellar performance against South Africa, Hardik Pandya has responded to the criticism he faced over the past six months. 

Despite a challenging IPL 2024 season and doubts surrounding his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad, Pandya played a crucial role in the final, dismissing Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller to secure victory for Rohit Sharma's team, ending India's 11-year ICC trophy drought.

In a post-match interview, Pandya addressed the criticism, emphasizing his dedication and hard work throughout the challenging period.

“It means a lot. Very emotional, we’ve been working very hard and something was not clicking. But today we got what the whole nation wanted. More special for me, how my last 6 months were, I haven’t spoken a word. I knew that if I kept working hard I could shine and do what I could do. Getting an opportunity like this makes it more special,” Pandya said

Reflecting on the team's belief and strategy in the final overs, Pandya credited the collective effort and staying calm under pressure, particularly highlighting Jasprit Bumrah and the rest of the Indian bowling attack.

“We always believed, it was just about executing our plans and staying calm and letting the pressure come to them. Credit to Jassi [Bumrah] and the other bowlers for those last 5 overs. Knew it would not help me if I wasn’t calm, wanted to commit 100% to every ball I’ve bowled. I’ve always enjoyed pressure," he further added.

Pandya also expressed his happiness for coach Rahul Dravid, acknowledging the positive influence Dravid has had on the team.

"Very happy for him (Dravid), he’s been a wonderful man, really enjoyed working with him, to give him a farewell like this is wonderful, have had a very good relationship with him and became friends. Very happy for all the support staff,” he concluded.