"Jay bhai, I'll..." - Hardik Pandya fulfills his promise to Jay Shah with all-round heroics in T20 World Cup 2024
Published - 01 Jul 2024, 03:54 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:14 AM
Star Indian all-rounder and vice-captain Hardik Pandya made a promise to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah before the T20 World Cup 2024. Hardik Pandya fulfilled his promise with his impressive all-round performances throughout the tournament in the West Indies and the USA.
There were doubts about the 30-year-old all-rounder's place in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024. However, Pandya made it to the World Cup squad and was named vice-captain. BCCI officials, including Jay Shah, played a crucial role in Hardik's selection for the tournament despite poor outings.
Yes Jaybhai, I Will Bowl - Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya delivered an underwhelming performance as a player for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The Mumbai-based team finished at the bottom of the 10-team points table. The five-time champions secured just four wins in 14 matches during the league stage of IPL 2024.
The Mumbai Indians skipper committed to addressing the team's critical need by promising to bowl during a conversation with Jay Shah, as reported by theindianexpress.com. Pandya reportedly told Jay Shah on a call, "Ha Jaybhai, hu bowling nakhis (Yes Jaybhai, I will bowl)."
According to the report, the conversation took place around May 2024 during the IPL, where Hardik Pandya assured Jay Shah that he would bowl. The Baroda-born cricketer later proved to be crucial for Team India's success in the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA last month.
Jay Shah announced significant prize money of INR 125 crore for Team India after their T20 World Cup win. The BCCI's reward is more than six times the ICC's prize. India received 2.45 million USD, runners-up South Africa got 1.28 million USD, and semifinalists England and Afghanistan received 787,500 USD each.
India Is Proud Of You - Wasim Jaffer
Hardik Pandya rebounded from a disappointing IPL 2024 with a stellar performance in the T20 World Cup. He scored 144 runs at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 151.57. He took 11 wickets with an average of 17.36 and an economy rate of 7.64, providing balance to the team with three spinners in the XI.
Wasim Jaffer took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise Pandya for his performance after India's victory in the T20 World Cup final. The former Indian opener said that India is proud of him, describing him as a champion.
"Never in doubt! Champion stuff @hardikpandya7 India is proud of you 🫡👊🏻 #INDvSA #T20WorldCupFinal," Jaffer tweeted.
"Criticise his performance as much as you want but it's extremely disappointing to see the constant personal trolling and attacks. Stay strong @hardikpandya7 next month you'll be playing crucial knocks in WC and the same people will be singing your praise. #LSGvMI #T20WorldCup," Jaffer posted on May 1.
The charismatic all-rounder was forced to exit India's 2023 ODI World Cup campaign due to injury. However, his all-round contributions were crucial in ending the team's 11-year ICC title drought in the recently concluded T20 World Cup.
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