Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu passionately defended Hardik Pandya after his match-winning performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa. Rayudu, who had previously consoled Pandya during the IPL 2024 season when fans booed him, now dares anyone to boo Pandya in India.
Hardik Pandya’s redemption in T20 WC
India clinched victory by 7 runs in a thrilling final, with Pandya playing a crucial role. He removed Heinrich Klaasen in the 17th over and defended 15 runs in the final over against David Miller, securing India’s first World Cup trophy in 13 years. Rayudu praised Pandya’s mental strength and resilience, emphasizing that he is now a world champion.
“I think it is great on his part. Such great mental strength and now I dare anybody to boo him in India. You know, if you can. If you can try and do that, you will know you will know it and he is an amazing individual and I have played with him, you know, in my state team. And he’s an amazing guy, an amazing human being, and that’s why he could come through this storm, get through this storm that he had just a few months back and to come back that strongly is unbelievable and you know he’s a world champion now,” Ambati Rayudu said
“He’s been a match-winner for India for a very, very long time and today he has shown it again. You know his value in the fight by picking that wicket of Klaasen and then totally finishing the game for India. Look at that. Look at that emotion,” he further added.
Just a boy from Baroda living his dream and grateful for everything that’s come his way 🇮🇳🙏 Cannot ask for anything more. Playing for my country will always be the greatest honour ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jeHHjB7rtU
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) June 29, 2024
Hardik Pandya was seen in tears, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment after winning the T20 World Cup. From being labelled public enemy number one in India to becoming a world champion, Pandya’s journey epitomizes resilience and redemption. His tears of joy symbolized the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.
While the team celebrated, Rohit Sharma went forward, hugged and kissed Hardik Pandya on the forehead to make it one of the most memorable moments seen in Indian cricket in the recent times
