Hardik Pandya’s journey in the Champions Trophy 2025 was a testament to his resilience and adaptability. With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, Pandya was handed the responsibility of sharing the new ball with Mohammed Shami. Despite the added pressure, he stepped up commendably, picking up four wickets in the 24.3 overs he bowled across five matches.
One of his most crucial breakthroughs came against Pakistan in India’s highly anticipated group-stage clash, where he dismissed Babar Azam at a critical juncture. Alongside his contributions with the ball, Pandya also made valuable runs, scoring 99 at an average of 24.75. Reflecting on his tournament performance, he emphasized his belief in facing challenges head-on rather than avoiding them.
“Bowling will take care of itself. The year was full of learnings and challenges. My mindset has never taught me to run away from challenges. I have always believed that if the challenges are tough, throw some punches. If you don’t leave the battlefield, then you have a chance,” Hardik Pandya shared in a mixed-zone interaction after India’s title-winning triumph.
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In the final against New Zealand, Pandya played a crucial supporting role. While he was expensive with the ball, conceding 30 runs in three overs, he contributed an 18-run cameo off 18 balls, ensuring India maintained momentum in their chase of 252. His partnership with KL Rahul, worth 38 runs for the sixth wicket, helped stabilize the innings before Rahul’s composed 34* guided India home with an over to spare.
For Pandya, the victory held even greater significance as it allowed him to put the heartbreak of the 2017 Champions Trophy final behind him. Back then, he had played a blistering 76-run knockoff just 43 balls, only for India to suffer a crushing 180-run defeat.
“I can say that an incomplete dream is over today. But eight years is a very long time. A lot of things happened in life in these eight years. But at the same time, winning for India is something very, very important for me,” Hardik Pandya expressed.
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“And this is not a dialogue, but it’s a rule of my life. I have always maintained that if Hardik Pandya doesn’t do anything, it’s fine. But if the team does well, it will be great,” he added, highlighting his unwavering commitment to team success over individual milestones.
