Hardik Pandya’s 2024 has been a rollercoaster ride. From extensive criticism and even booed by the fans in his innate role as Mumbai Indians captain in the IPL, he finally shut his critics with a fine show in the T20 World Cup and ended it with a World Cup-winning spell. Pandya’s travails with the Mumbai Indians were well-documented. He took over the reins from Rohit Sharma but had a rough spell, which frustrated the fans.
This negativity went on to show on the field as well as on social media — the spectators became harsh. The World Cup, however, turned out to be his redemption ground. He was adjudged Man of the Match against Bangladesh before getting his name in several record books by defending 16 runs in the final over against South Africa, which sealed India’s World Cup victory.
This incredible comeback touched a chord with his brother, Krunal Pandya. Responding to this, Krunal took to Instagram and shared this emotional message which spoke about how he felt proud and disappointed during these past months.
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“The past six months have been the toughest for Hardik,” Krunal Pandya wrote. “He simply didn’t deserve what he went through. From booing to nasty comments, we forgot he’s human.” Krunal highlighted Hardik’s resilient silence and negativity with a firm focus on the World Cup dream.
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The final turned out to be a nail-biting thriller, as India needed to defend 30 runs in the last two overs; the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller were at the crease. Hardik rose to the occasion again, getting Klaasen in the 17th over before cleaning up Miller off the very first ball in the penultimate over.
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On the other end, Jasprit Bumrah gave great support with two economical death overs, giving away just 5 runs and taking the wicket of Marco Jansen. Arshdeep Singh played his part as well, with a tight over, giving just 7 runs. That sealed the deal for India, as it won by 7 runs.
Hardik Pandya’s story is an epitome of perseverance and self-belief. More than that, it shows that an athlete needs to be treated with respect—being a human during his struggling phases does not make him less of an athlete.
