"Clutch is Hardik Pandya": India star flexes insane confidence, makes big statement about girlfriend, son

Team India star Hardik Pandya has made a big statement regarding his ability to perform under extreme pressure following the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal victory over England. Pandya also spoke about his son and his girlfriend, Mahieka, who were cheering for him from the stands during his fielding display.

The ace all-rounder played a massive role across all three departments in the semifinal against England. They secured a thrilling victory at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, March 5. The Men in Blue will take on New Zealand in the summit clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Clutch Is Hardik Pandya - Ace All-Rounder Makes Massive Statement

Hardik Pandya ran out England's centurion Jacob Bethell in the final over of the match. He executed a stunning long throw from the deep to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, who quickly whipped off the bails to take India closer to victory.

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In a video released by the BCCI on its official website, the all-rounder stated that he kept himself completely calm. He further noted his immense pride in maintaining his composure during the intense situation.

"Clutch is Hardik Pandya. There are two ways in life. I could have got my heart rushing and would have not been able to execute. So, I went in my 'Zen Mode'. Quite amazing that instead of getting my heartbeat rushed, I was still, and I think yeah, I think I'm really proud of that," Pandya proudly stated.

𝙃𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝘾𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙘𝙝. 𝙃𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩. 𝙃𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙠 𝙋𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙮𝙖! 🙌

Watch 🔽 | #TeamIndia | #T20WorldCup | #MenInBlue | #ENGvIND | @hardikpandya7 https://t.co/GAjOCoACnQ

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 7, 2026

I Wanted My Son and Mahieka to Enjoy This Moment - Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya also revealed the real reason behind his energetic reaction after completing the crucial run-out. Pandya stated that he wanted to share his extreme enthusiasm with his family members who had come to the stadium to watch.

"One batter, which I had to get out if I had to do it from the field was Bethell, the way he batted," Pandya stated. "I knew I had to throw that. Keep calm, throw it where it's supposed to be," he noted.

"I would have liked it a little more closer to the stumps, but nevertheless, we got the job done and at the same time, the reaction was more because my son came and I wanted my son and Mahieka to enjoy this moment and feel how enthusiastic I am," he added.

Hardik Pandya Delivers Key All-Round Performance in Semifinal

During the semifinal, Hardik Pandya played a cameo of 27 runs off just 12 balls, smashing five boundaries. With the ball, he dismissed Phil Salt right at the start of his spell and bowled a decisive penultimate over, conceding only nine runs to leave 29 runs for Shivam Dube to defend.

India will now have the opportunity to script history on Sunday by clinching their third T20 World Cup title against New Zealand. If they win, they will become the first team to win the tournament three times and also the first to successfully defend the crown.

Pandya's numbers against the Black Caps give confidence. In 18 T20Is against New Zealand, he has scored 242 runs and picked up 13 wickets. Notably, his best bowling figures of 4/16 in the format came against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium back in 2023.

Also read: Narendra Modi Stadium curse scares Gautam Gambhir, BCCI makes explosive move before IND-NZ final