‘India, you mean the world to me!’ - Hardik Pandya pens heartfelt note following T20 World Cup win

India returned triumphant from Barbados after defeating South Africa in the summit clash of the T20 World Cup 2024 and winning the title to end a trophy drought of 11 years. Right after their return, the Indian team met up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then went to Mumbai to celebrate. 

India took a victory parade from Marine Drive to the Wankhede Stadium as thousands of people gathered to celebrate India’s win, with every squad member soaking the atmosphere. Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya participated in the celebration as well. The 30-year-old was booed and trolled during the IPL 2024 after he replaced Rohit Sharma as MI’s skipper. However, he redeemed himself with a match-winning show in the World Cup.

Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Pandya thanked his fans for the support and joined them in celebrating the title win.

“India, you mean the world to me! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all the love.. these are moments that I will never ever forget! Thank you for coming out to celebrate with us, despite the rains! We love you so much! Celebrating with you is why we do what we do! We’re all champions! All 1.4 billion of us! Thank you Mumbai, thank you India,” Pandya posted.

During the felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium, India skipper Rohit Sharma lauded Pandya’s performance in the tournament, heaping praise on him for guiding India through the final over against South Africa. “Hardik was bowling the last crucial over for us. Hats off to him for that last. You know how many over you need to defend, there is always so much pressure to bowl that over, hats off to him,” Rohit said.