Hardik Pandya In Tears As Rohit Sharma's Emotional Speech Captivates Wankhede

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was moved to tears after listening to Rohit Sharma's speech at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, July 4.

During India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory celebrations, Sharma credited Pandya for the title win.

Wankhede erupts: Rohit Leads T20 Champs Home - Here's What

It was said that Pandya's ability to remain cool and calm helped India dismiss David Miller, who was considered one of the most dangerous players in the world. Rohit's speech had Pandya in tears as he experienced a roller-coaster of emotions upon his return to Wankhede, the home of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Pandya was heckled and abused by the same Mumbai crowd during the IPL 2024 season when he had taken over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma at MI. Pandya, who had debuted for MI in the IPL, had left the team to captain Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 2022 and 2023 editions of the tournament. The all-rounder returned to MI in 2024 amidst much controversy, which had divided the fans.

Pandya In T20 World Cup Final

The star all-rounder and vice-captain of the Indian team was given the responsibility to bowl the last over when 16 runs had to be defended. The way he sobbed after successfully completing the task showcased what this win meant to him. He bowled like a champion, securing a victory for India by 7 runs.

Pandya played a crucial role in pulling India back into the competition in the summit clash by taking the wicket of Heinrich Klaasen in the 17th over. At that stage, South Africa was almost cruising towards victory, needing just 26 runs from 24 balls. After Klaasen's wicket, the Indian bowlers orchestrated one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the history of T20 World Cup finals. It was a fitting finale for the man who came through when India needed it the most.

Notably, Suryakumar Yadav showed great presence of mind by holding on to a mind-boggling catch at long-off, turning the game in India's favor in the last over of the thrilling final.

With 16 runs needed off the last six balls, South Africa's David Miller hit a full toss from Pandya high into the air towards long-off. However, the ball dropped just inside the boundary where Suryakumar Yadav managed to grab it safely.

The momentum seemed to be taking the Indian fielder over the boundary, but he showed great presence of mind by getting rid of the ball at the right time as he fell outside the boundary. Suryakumar quickly jumped back inside to grab hold of the ball again, completing one of the greatest catches ever in an ICC final. As a result, Miller had to return to the pavilion after scoring 21 (17), with his team still requiring 16 runs off the last five balls.

After Miller's dismissal, Pandya held his nerve and successfully defended 15 runs, helping India win their second T20 World Cup by seven runs.