Following India’s victory over New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy, all-rounder Hardik Pandya paid a touching tribute to his deceased father. Pandya expressed that his father’s blessings were the source of his success. He highlighted his consistent performance throughout the tournament with both batting and bowling, contributing significantly to India’s win. He scored 99 runs in four innings, with a top score of 45, and took four wickets. Pandya’s continued success in ICC events reinforces his reputation as a crucial player for the Indian team.
In a post-match media interaction, Hardik shared his emotional journey, stating, “Where my brother Krunal and I have come from, achieving this was once unimaginable. We are filled with gratitude to God for his continued grace and blessings. We are thankful to our parents for their unwavering support in helping us reach our goals. Though our father is no longer physically present, I feel his presence watching over us and blessing our achievements.”
Reflecting on winning the Champions Trophy in 2025, eight years after narrowly missing the title despite a valiant 76 against Pakistan in 2017, Pandya expressed the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration. “These past eight years have been a long journey, filled with experiences. India’s victory holds immense personal significance for me. If the team succeeds, everything feels right. I hope everyone back home is happy and celebrating,” he added.
Pandya also discussed his role as a senior player, emphasizing his belief in mentorship over hierarchy. “Throughout my 9-10 year career, I’ve never differentiated between senior and junior players. I believe in sharing my experiences with younger players to benefit not just them, but the entire team. Even a small contribution from my side that enhances another player’s performance is a positive outcome,” he stated.
The all-rounder acknowledged the numerous challenges he has faced in his life and career, adopting a proactive approach to overcome them. “If you remain in the arena, you always have a chance to succeed. Retreating and despairing will lead to missed opportunities. Taking initiative, like diving to stop a ball, is crucial. This philosophy has guided me in both life and cricket,” he explained.
Pandya revealed his deep passion for bowling, saying, “When I am bowling, I have complete confidence in my batting abilities. I prepare extensively for various match scenarios. My love for hitting sixes dates back to when I was 14. While I lacked power then, my hard work has enabled me to develop that strength, and it’s now paying dividends.”
Regarding his self-belief, Pandya added, “If you lack self-trust, how can you expect others to trust you? I have always had unwavering faith in myself. My consistent preparation behind the scenes is reflected in my performance on the field. Staying calm, focusing on the ball, and striking when it’s in my hitting zone are key to my approach.”
Pandya emphasized the collective spirit of the Indian team, highlighting their shared joy in each other’s accomplishments. “We operate on the belief that every player is capable of producing something extraordinary,” he concluded.
In the match, New Zealand chose to bat first after winning the toss. They started strongly with a 57-run opening partnership between Will Young (15) and Rachin Ravindra (37). However, Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) disrupted their momentum, reducing New Zealand to 75/3.
A 57-run partnership between Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53*) helped New Zealand reach a total of 251/7 in 50 overs.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/45) were the leading wicket-takers. Mohammed Shami took one wicket but conceded 74 runs.
During India’s run chase, a solid 105-run opening stand was formed by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (31). Despite the quick dismissals of Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rohit (76), Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29) stabilized the innings with a 61-run partnership. Following Axar’s dismissal, KL Rahul (34*) and Hardik Pandya (18) ensured India’s victory by six wickets with an over to spare.
For New Zealand, Michael Bracewell (2/28) and Mitchell Santner (2/46) were the top bowlers.
