T20 World Cup: India's dynamic all-rounder Hardik Pandya has described clinching his second consecutive T20 World Cup title as the fulfilment of a personal promise, and he regards this achievement as the culmination of a personal vow, underscoring his unwavering dedication to excellence.
Pandya's all-round prowess was on full display, with crucial half-centuries, including a blistering 52 off 28 against Namibia. In his bowling spells, he yielded nine wickets, cementing his tournament-best performance.
"After the win in Barbados (in the 2024 final against South Africa), I promised myself that whichever tournament I play, I will play to win and I will lift the trophy. This win against New Zealand in Ahmedabad is a validation that the promise I made to myself has become a reality. And this is just the start," Pandya told Star Sports.
Pandya has been recognised for his standout performance, making a spot in the ICC's 2026 T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament, alongside three other Indian players.
"When we won the T20 World Cup in 2024, I was facing a lot of difficulties personally. Many things had happened before that tournament and things were not going my way. Before the 2024 World Cup started, I had made up my mind that I was going for redemption,” he added.
"I wanted to make a dominating comeback. I did that and helped my team win the trophy after 17 years," Pandya remembered his performance in the tournament that broke India's long title drought in ICC events.
The all-rounder from Baroda added, "Coming to this T20 World Cup victory in Ahmedabad, this is something I have always lived for. I play cricket to do well for my country and win trophies. I want to win all the trophies for India."