Hardik Pandya shows off the T20 World Cup trophy as Team India arrives in Mumbai for the victory parade

Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya flaunted the 2024 T20 World Cup Trophy to the crowd right after he stepped out of the Mumbai airport on Thursday as he arrived in the city with the entire contingent. In a video that surfaced on social media, the 30-year-old is seen walking out of the airport in style with the trophy aloft.

The Baroda-born cricketer played a key role behind the Men in Blue’s World Cup triumph, particularly delivering a memorable performance in the final against South Africa in Barbados. He bowled a decisive last over to defend 16 runs, ultimately helping India win by 7. The seam-bowling all-rounder also made a handful of cameos with the bat throughout the tournament.

It is striking that the crowd at the Wankhede Stadium is constantly chanting Pandya’s name.

“I have always believed in life that you never respond with words” – Hardik Pandya

In a conversation with the presenter after the finale, Pandya hit out at his critics for disrespecting him and suggested that it would be better to silence them with performances.

“I believe in grace. A lot has been said by people who don’t even know me one percent as a person. People have spoken, no problems, but I have always believed in life that you never react with words, circumstances can react. Even difficult times, they don’t last forever. It is important to have grace, whether you win or lose. It is time for fans and everyone to learn that (to have grace). We have to find better ways to behave.”

The Men in Blue arrived in Delhi on Thursday morning and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi before proceeding to Mumbai.

Published: Thursday, July 4, 2024, 7:42 PM IST