Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya gestures on the Dubai Cricket Stadium in Dubai on March 9, 2025. — X/ @hardikpandya7
DUBAI: Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya stated the choice to not journey to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy was past his management however expressed hope that Pakistani followers loved the cricket motion in Dubai.
The assertion comes as India scripted historical past by securing their third ICC Champions Trophy title with an exhilarating four-wicket victory over New Zealand within the closing of the Pakistan-hosted match on Sunday.
India added to their trophies in 2002 and 2013 to go previous Australia, who’ve two titles.
The world quantity’s one ODI staff, India completed unbeaten within the eight-nation match performed in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
India have performed all their matches in Dubai after they refused to tour hosts Pakistan as a consequence of political tensions and have been unbeaten on the venue in 4 matches.
Talking with the media on the Dubai Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Pandya referred to as India’s Champions Trophy win a dream come true.
Recalling the 2017 closing loss towards Pakistan, he stated: “Eight years is a long time, but winning this time feels special. I’m sure the entire nation is celebrating, and this victory is our gift to the fans.”
The all-rounder additionally shared a childhood reminiscence, recalling how he as soon as tried to satisfy the Kenyan cricket staff however was stopped by safety. “The Kenyan players saw me and said, ‘Don’t stop him—he looks like one of us!’ It was a funny and unforgettable moment,” he stated with amusing.
On his highly effective six-hitting, Pandya revealed his components: “Take a deep breath, focus on the ball, and swing hard — it’ll go out of the ground.”
Within the closing towards New Zealand, Pandya contributed a priceless 19 runs earlier than being dismissed.
