"I told them to behave because..." - Sanjay Manjrekar launches fresh attack on Hardik Pandya's critics after his T20 World Cup heroics

In a remarkable turnaround, Hardik Pandya emerged as the hero of India's triumphant campaign at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, silencing his critics with stellar all-round performances on the grand stage in the USA and West Indies.

During the IPL 2024 season, Pandya faced severe criticism and jeering from fans as he was replaced by Rohit Sharma as the Mumbai Indians (MI) captain after leaving the Gujarat Titans (GT).

Online trolling and booing at the IPL venues made a significant impact on Hardik, resulting in his failure to deliver both as the MI captain and all-rounder. It was the worst season for Hardik in his IPL career so far.

Sanjay Manjrekar hails Hardik Pandya's remarkable turnaround in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024

However, the Baroda star was talented enough to put his dark period behind him and chose the global stage to make a resounding comeback in the Indian jersey. Hardik was in stunning form with both bat and ball in the T20 World Cup 2024 and played a major role in India’s title triumph after 11 years.

After Team India’s unbeaten campaign ended their 17-year-long wait for the second T20 World Cup trophy, the former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator, Sanjay Manjrekar, hailed Pandya's transformation, highlighting his key role in the crucial matches at the ICC events.

Pandya's ability to deliver under pressure was evident on many occasions, including the crucial wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa in Barbados. His composed bowling in the last over won the final for the Men in Blue, and the cricket pundit hailed his maturity and reliability in high-stakes situations.

Manjrekar also praised Pandya's batting prowess, recalling his crucial innings against England in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-finals, where he played a breathtaking knock of 60 runs from just 33 balls. However, the Indian cricket team suffered a 10-wicket loss to the England team in Adelaide.

After going through emotional turmoil ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, Pandya has shown great versatility, the ability to thrive under pressure, and his capability to turn the tide of matches with his aggressive yet calculated approach once again shone brightly in the West Indies.

No surprise to see him flourish on the big stage: Sanjay Manjrekar on Hardik Pandya

As the fans celebrate India’s T20 World Cup triumph across the world, Pandya's resurgence is proof of his talent and tenacity, reaffirming his status as a match-winner for the national team.

The Indian all-rounder's performances have not only helped India win the trophy but also silenced his critics, and Manjrekar said that he was not really surprised by Pandya’s remarkable performance in the tournament.

Sanjay Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo: “I told them to behave because this is a big stage player. We've seen that numerous times. Wickets of Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller and right at the end, Kagiso Rabada. So, Hardik was the champion and no surprise to see him flourish on the big stage.

Even in the semi-finals against England at Adelaide, he came in and gave India some hope with a remarkable knock of 60 runs off 33. So that's what he's all about. And you felt safe when he came in and bowled the last over. Because he was not going to lose his nerves. He was going to bowl sensibly.”