There’s not a bigger pleasure or blessing than this – Hardik Pandya on being part of the World Cup winning team

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya feels there is no bigger pleasure or blessing than to be part of the World Cup-winning team. Pandya admitted playing for India was a dream come true moment for him but to add a World Cup title, is just the perfect icing on the cake.

Pandya was able to turn the tables in the T20 World Cup 2024 as he delivered with both bat and ball after a horrid run while leading Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024.

The right-hander scored 144 runs in six innings at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 151.57 in the T20I showpiece. Pandya also scalped 11 wickets in eight matches at an average of 17.36 and an economy rate of 7.61.

Pandya also played an instrumental role in the all-important final against South Africa. The right-arm pacer returned with figures of 3-20 in the three overs he bowled and got the big wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, who both were settled at the crease.

Recalling India’s 2011 ODI World Cup win, Pandya said on BCCI, “I must be on the road because in 2011, I was on the road, celebrating the same team.”

“For me it’s surreal and after 13 years we have got the next (world cup) trophy and I am part of the team. It’s Bombay for me, where my journey started. This is special. People’s heart full of joy and happiness. There’s not a bigger pleasure or blessing than this. For me just playing for the country would have been a dream. I am very fortunate enough to be part of something so amazing which I will remember for the rest of my life,” he said.

The Indian team received a hero’s welcome in Delhi and then Marine Drive and the Wankhede Stadium were packed with the fans during the victory parade and felicitation.

“That’s what we all work hard for. We work hard to be in these kinds of situations, this kind of atmosphere which we can create and the happiness we can provide. Finishing the celebration in Mumbai. Mumbai didn’t disappoint. Aamchi Mumbai. Jai Hind,” he said.

Pandya is expected to take the captaincy baton from Rohit Sharma after the latter’s retirement.