'BIGGEST CLUTCH PLAYER EVER': Hardik Pandya bowls the ONE ball that won T20 World Cup 2024 for India

It was all slipping away for Team India in the final against South Africa Hardik Pandya became the man of the moment as he brought India back from the jaws of defeat. South Africa needed run a ball and Heinrich Klaasen was putting the pressure. But as it turned out, Hardik Pandya got the wicket of Heinrich Klaasen and it was the moment India won the World Cup. 

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Hardik Pandya emotional after India's World Cup victory

India vice-captain Hardik Pandya said he was confident of an opportunity to shine after a tough few months leading into the T20 World Cup, where he played a vital role in the team’s title win.

Pandya hit 144 runs and took 11 wickets in the showpiece, including a three for 20 in the final to guide India to a thrilling seven-run win over South Africa.

"It's very emotional, something was not clicking, but this was something the whole nation wanted,” Pandya told the broadcaster after the match.

“Especially for me, after my six months, I haven't spoken a word, things have been unfair, but I knew there'd be a time I could shine.

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"An opportunity like this makes it all the more special,” said Pandya, who was on the receiving end of the crowd's ire during the last IPL after replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians’ captain.

“We always believed, stayed calm, let the pressure come to them. Last over, I knew I had to execute my plans. I have been in this situation, I enjoy the pressure situation,” he added.

(With PTI Inputs)