From Indian cricket's biggest VILLAIN to India's biggest HERO: What a turnaround for Hardik Pandya

A month and a half ago nothing was going in Hardik Pandya's way. He was dropping stinkers for Mumbai Indians, was at the end of fans' fury, and was severely jeered and booed by even his home fans at Wankhede. In short, Hardik Pandya was seen as an antagonist in Indian cricket for replacing Rohit Sharma at the helm of MI. However, the adversity did not linger for long as fast forward to June 29, 2024, the all-rounder has turned the tide to become a national hero. Pandya had a consistent hand in Team India's success throughout the T20 World Cup 2024, and he is now reaping the support of the fans for being one of the bearers of joy.

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Hardik Pandya redeemed himself through exceptional all-round performance in T20 World Cup 2024

The tumultuous IPL 2024 season had put an otherwise effervescent Hardik Pandya into the realm of dejection. Nevertheless, the Mumbai Indians skipper bounced back brilliantly and emerged as one of the unsung heroes for India in the T20 World Cup 2024. It is quite possibly the quickest redemption the world of cricket has witnessed.

In the T20 World Cup 2024, Hardik Pandya delivered what was expected from him with both bat and ball. With the bat, he showcased his skill of being one of the cleanest strikers of the ball. He rendered some of the crucial cameos for India in the campaign and also provided the much-needed final flourish against Australia and England. He compounded a total of 144 runs in the tournament. With the ball, he has chipped in with breakthroughs whenever came to the attack. In the final as well, he removed the dangerous Heinrich Klassen, who had partially taken the game away from India. He also bowled the 20th over the innings and soaked in the pressure to win the match for India. He snared 11 wickets in the tournament to display a complete all-round performance.

Following India's 7-run win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024, emotions got the better of Hardik Pandya. It was the tears of joy that exhibited how long he has come from being booed to now being a world champion.