Hardik Pandya. (Source – BCCI)
Star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was booed throughout the IPL 2024. His move from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians wasn’t appreciated by the fans, especially when he replaced Rohit Sharma as MI captain. As days passed, the boos changed to racial slurs and abusive words but Pandya never responded to any criticism. Under his leadership, Mumbai finished at the bottom of the table, and following this, a section of the fans wanted him out of the India team for the T20 World Cup but BCCI and the selectors backed him heavily.
He repaid their faith by playing an extraordinary brand of cricket in the mega tournament. Pandya proved to be one of the most important players in the side as he played a very significant role in helping India lift its second T20 World Cup title. After the win, Pandya was extremely emotional, as he was crying while talking to the host broadcaster. The 30-year-old mentioned that the times were tough but he didn’t break down.
Also Read – Indian players get spectacular reception in Delhi after T20 World Cup triumph
Meanwhile, Hardik has once again won the hearts of the Indian fans. After team India’s return from West Indies, the fans were cheering his name, which is heartening to see, given how he was booed all over the country during IPL. Hardik too looked elated and also cut a cake after reacting to ITC Maurya.
This isn’t just a game and it never was. And for a certain Hardik Pandya who has had an emotional whiplash in the last six months or so, the T20 World Cup crowning was his moment, and now arrives home a hero. #T20WorldCup
📸 – Anand Iyer. pic.twitter.com/bQDzK8VWGF
— Vignesh Bharadwaj (@VBharadwaj31) July 4, 2024
He was wearing a special India jersey that was designed for the grand celebration which is planned by BCCI. The name of the sponsor is replaced by the word ‘Champion’ and all the players were wearing the same while BCCI officials were in suits. All the members of the winning team are slated to visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi after which, they will come back to the team hotel for a brief period and later will travel to Mumbai for a grand celebration.
Also Read – Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav wallow in bhangra upon reaching hotel in Delhi
Meanwhile, star India player Virat Kohli also received a grand reception at the team hotel. He was welcomed with ‘Kohli, Kohli’chants and the video of the same went viral on social media.
“KOHLI, KOHLI, KOHLI” Chants at the Hotel. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/wY6TbZdcrA
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 4, 2024