T20 World Cup 2024: Hardik Pandya: From 'VILLAIN' to becoming the first Indian all-rounder to achieve this feat
Hardik Pandya Pic:x
Xtra Time Web Desk: Ahead of the 17th season of IPL, MI replaced Rohit with Hardik Pandya as their new captain. The move didn't go down well with the majority of the MI fans. The aftereffects of the same was pretty bad in all of MI's matches as Hardik was subjected to endless boos and trolls and wasn't spared even at MI's home ground Wankhede. 5 times IPL champions could only win 4 out of 14 matches under Pandy’s captaincy, he totally failed both as captain and an all-rounder. 1 month later, the Indian squad for T20 World Cup 2024 gets announced and Hardik is named as the Vice Captain, another trail of troll begins!
5 months later, Hardik reaches a new milestone in his career by becoming the world's No. 1 T20I all-rounder following India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign. Pandya, who accumulated 144 runs and took 11 wickets during the tournament, is the first Indian all-rounder to achieve this feat. His exceptional performance in the final against South Africa, where he finished with figures of 3/20, was crucial to India's success.
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Pandya had endured a rough patch, especially after the controversy of taking over Mumbai Indians’ captaincy from Rohit Sharma. He received hostile reception from every field he played. Netizens not only targeted him, but also his family online. He became a villain overnight. His comeback at MI was further hated because of his poor form and captaincy. No one could imagine regarding what was going him! He soaked it all and had a fresh start in the T20 world Cup tournament.
Despite a tough IPL season and constant criticism, Hardik proved his worth at the World Cup. He scored 144 runs and took 11 wickets, culminating in his best performance in the final. He’s a hero now! Leading the ICC charts and earning praises too.
In the final, Pandya dismissed key South African batsmen David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, propelling him two places up the rankings and overtaking Wanindu Hasaranga. This achievement caps a remarkable tournament for Pandya, whose last World Cup journey in 2023 was curtailed by injury. Despite facing a difficult season as captain of the Mumbai Indians, Pandya's fortunes turned around in the national team under Rohit Sharma's leadership.
During the final, Pandya showcased his nerves of steel, defending 16 runs in the last over. He claimed Miller's wicket on the first ball, thanks to a stunning catch by Suryakumar Yadav, and managed to keep the remaining deliveries in check, securing victory for India. Overcome with emotion, Pandya fell to the ground in tears as India celebrated their win.
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Pandya's contributions throughout the tournament were vital. He took 2/24 against Pakistan, dismissing Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan, and recorded figures of 2/14 against the USA. With the bat, he scored an unbeaten half-century against Bangladesh and made crucial contributions of 23 not out against both Australia and England.
