'I Was on The Road Celebrating in 2011': Hardik Pandya 'Blessed' to be Part of India's World Cup Winning Squad

In 2007 and 2011 when India won the World T20 and ODI World Cup respectively, Hardik Pandya says he was on the road as a fan celebrating the team’s triumphs. Cut to 2024 and this time, Pandya is celebrating India’s T20 World Cup win but now as a player who was key to their victorious campaign.

Not long ago, the allrounder was struggling with his form in IPL 2024 and additionally, had to deal with the booing from the fans.

The phase didn’t last long as at the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pandya struck 144 runs and took 11 wickets in eight games as India became the first team to win a T20 World Cup unbeaten.

Earlier this week, Pandya was cheered by thousands of fans at Mumbai’s Marine Drive and Wankhede Stadium during Team India’s open bus victory parade.

And the 30-year-old enjoyed every minute of the celebrations.

When asked what he was doing when India won the World T20 in 2007, Pandya , a video shared by BCCI, replied, “I must be on the road because in 2011, I was on the road, celebrating the same team.”

Pandya says playing for India was in itself a dream and he’s fortunate to be part of a world cup winning squad.

“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.

Pandya was in awe of the reception fans in Mumbai gave the Indian team.

“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.