Hardik Pandya emerged the hero for India as he was the reason they managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat to win T20 World Cup by beating South Africa in the final.

India's agonising 11-year wait for a global title was brought to an end by Virat Kohli's ingenuity and Rohit Sharma's inspirational captaincy as the star-studded team outwitted eternal bridesmaids South Africa by runs in a see saw final to lift its second T20 World Cup trophy.

Hardik Pandya took the all important wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller to swing the tie in India's favour. Post his heroics, Hardik Pandya broke down in tears while celebrating with the team.

Hardik Pandya in tears 🥺🥺
This redemption will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/tYgxUoHwVJ
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) June 29, 2024

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Kohli, who was part of 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, announced his retirement from the format immediately after the end of the match.

"It's time for the next generation to take over. It was an open secret and I would have announced it even if we would have lost," Kohli said.

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Hardik Pandya, booed for being handed IPL captaincy broke down having endured a tough six months and the enduring picture would certainly be the kiss planted on his cheeks by the man, people rooted for -- Rohit Sharma.

Captain Sharma, his eyes glistening, was on his haunches as he was emotionally exhausted, wife Ritika, his soulmate, completely emotional as there wasn't a single soul who didn't feel choked. When Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 27 balls) was going hammer and tongs against the in-form Indian spinners, it seemed Rohit Sharma and his men will have to settle for second place in another World Cup final but they clawed their way back into the game with a lot of help from South Africa.

Eventually, Hardik Pandya, much maligned by his own supporters for past six months, was able to defend 16 runs in the final over to ensure India’s first ICC trophy since 2013 and a maiden T20 World Cup crown in the post-IPL era. In response to India’s 176 for seven, South Africa ended at 169 for eight.

The sense of relief and jubilation was evident on the stars of Indian team, Kohli and Rohit, who might not stay on for another T20 World Cup cycle. The result was also a fitting farewell to head coach Rahul Dravid.

(With PTI Inputs)

Hardik Pandya fails to hold back tears after HEROICS in India's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph

Hardik Pandya was brought to tears as India ended their 13 year wait to win a World Cup by beating South Africa in T20 World Cup 2024 final.

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