T20 World Cup 2024: Hardik Pandya Responds to Fans, Says 'Time for Some to Learn Grace'

Hardik Pandya starred with the ball in the last over as India defeated South Africa by seven runs in a heart-stopping final to win the 2024 T20 World Cup title on Saturday.

The Team India vice-captain said he believes in leading his life with a lot of grace and he has no issues with people who don’t know him one percent but said a lot about him in the middle of his disappointing IPL campaign. The star all-rounder, who returned to Mumbai Indians as captain, did not have the best of Indian Premier League seasons be it on and off the field.

However, he silenced his critics with an all-round show in the T20 World Cup.

“I believe in grace. A lot was said by people who don’t know even know me one percent as a person. People have spoken, no issues but I have always believed in life that you never respond with words, circumstances can respond.

“Even difficult times, they don’t last forever. It is important to be graceful, whether you win or lose.

“It is time for fans and everyone else to learn that (to be graceful). We need to find better ways to conduct yourself. I am sure the same people will be happy,” said Hardik after the T20 World Cup final.

Hardik defended 16 runs in the final to ensure a famous win for his team.

“To be honest, I was enjoying. Very few get these life changing opportunities. It could have gone the other way as well today but I see it glass half full and not glass half empty.

“I was not taking pressure and focussing on my skill sets. This was a moment written in the stars,” he said when asked about the high pressure scenario.

Hardik is expected to captain India in the shortest format following Rohit’s retirement. The next T20 World Cup is in India in 2026 but he is not looking too far ahead.

“2026 is a long time away. Very happy for Rohit and Virat. Very special two giants of Indian cricket who thoroughly deserved this.

“Been amazing playing this format with them. We will miss them but this is the best farewell they could get. Happy for them to end like this,” added the star all-rounder.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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