 "Watch: Rohit Sharma kisses emotional Hardik Pandya after 'unfair' six months")
Rohit Sharma had an emotional moment with Hardik Pandya after India lifted the T20 World Cup title for the second time on Saturday (29 June).
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Following the seven-run win, India captain Rohit kissed Pandya on the cheek as the all-rounder spoke to Nasser Hussain in the post-match reactions.
“It’s very emotional, something was not clicking, but this was something the whole nation wanted,” Pandya said 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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A post shared by ICC (@icc)“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 Indian Premier League (IPL) after replacing Rohit 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 16 runs needed from six balls, Pandya was tasked with defending the target - which he did without much fuss.
On bowling the last over, Pandya said: “We always belived we can do it. It was just about keeping calm and executing the plans. And let the pressure come to them. Credit to Jassie and the fast bowlers the way they bowled the last four-five overs, it changed everything.
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More ShortsVIDEO | "It obviously feels very special. I have said it multiple times that this was a dream. As someone who comes from where I was in my life, this has always been a dream. It is a feeling which I can't describe because it has finally happened and it came down to me at the end.… pic.twitter.com/djU5P0RAxx
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 30, 2024
“I knew if I am not going to be calm it is not going to help me. So, for me it was simple that I execute my plans and make sure every ball I bowl I give it my hundred percent. I have been in this situation before, I might not have won but I always enjoy pressure. All of a sudden my run up speed increases. It has been wonderful.”
“I mean I am very happy for him. Really enjoyed working with him. To give him a farewell like this, this is how his coaching career ends. We had a very good relationship, kind of became friends. Very excited and very happy for him,” Pandya said on Rahul Dravid signing off with a World title.
Pandya also praised outgoing coach Rahul Dravid whose tenure comes to an end after the tournament.
“Very happy for him, he’s been a wonderful man, really enjoyed working with him, to give him a farewell like this is wonderful, have had a very good relationship with him and became friends. Very happy for all the support staff,” the allrounder said
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