After leading India to a thrilling victory in the T20 World Cup, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was warmly welcomed in his home city, Vadodara, on Monday. The 30-year-old cricketer attended a celebratory roadshow, marking Team India’s significant achievement in the tournament.
Pandya’s performance in the T20 World Cup was nothing short of stellar. He amassed 144 runs in six innings at an impressive average of 48.00 and a striking rate of 151.57, with a notable half-century and a top score of 50 not out. Additionally, he claimed 11 wickets in eight games, boasting an average of 17.36 and an economy rate of 7.64, with his best figures being 3/20.
#WATCH | Gujarat: Indian Cricketer Hardik Pandya receives a grand welcome as he visits his hometown Vadodara for the first time after India’s T20 World Cup Victory. pic.twitter.com/kPKAYf00IA
— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2024
As Pandya paraded through the streets of Vadodara, enthusiastic fans lined up to offer their congratulations and support. The roadshow was graced by the presence of his brother, Krunal Pandya, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Reflecting on Pandya’s journey, it is a story of resilience and redemption. Despite facing injuries and controversies, he emerged as a pivotal player in India’s ICC T20 World Cup triumph. His decisive performances, including the crucial wicket of Heinrich Klaasen and a game-changing final over where he dismissed David Miller, were instrumental in India’s success.
This victory marks a significant turnaround for Pandya, who faced criticism and online trolling during the IPL 2024 after taking over the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians (MI) from Rohit Sharma. Recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the 50-over World Cup the previous year, Pandya faced accusations of betrayal from fans of his former franchise, the Gujarat Titans (GT), which he had led to an IPL title in 2022.
India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup ended an 11-year-long ICC trophy drought. Key performances by Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah led the Men in Blue to a seven-run victory over South Africa in the final held in Barbados on June 29. Kohli’s masterful knock of 76 runs helped India post a total of 176/7 in 20 overs. In the defense, Bumrah’s figures of 2/18 and Pandya’s 3/20 played a crucial role, restricting South Africa to 169/8 in their allotted overs and securing the win.
Pandya’s return to Vadodara as a World Cup hero is a testament to his perseverance and determination, overcoming challenges to lead India to a memorable victory on the world stage.
