Watch: Jay Shah's unmissable reaction after Rohit Sharma mimics Hardik Pandya's towering six in CT 2025 semi-final

Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya played a crucial role in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal victory over Australia. In an unseen clip, India captain Rohit Sharma was seen imitating Hardik’s massive six in front of the all-rounder, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah.

Chasing a target of 265 runs, India suffered early setbacks at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, March 4. They lost both openers within the powerplay. However, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. Australia dismissed Iyer, adding pressure on India.

Hardik Pandya Smashed a Six Towards Jay Shah in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final

Virat Kohli and Axar Patel added handy runs. However, Axar lost his wicket despite getting set. Kohli was also dismissed after scoring a crucial 84 off 98 balls, leaving India under pressure in the chase. Hardik Pandya walked in following Kohli’s dismissal, with India needing 49 runs from 44 balls to win.

Hardik struggled against Nathan Ellis' slower balls but soon shifted momentum by smashing three huge sixes. His towering six off Tanveer Sangha in the 45th over landed straight into the Royal Box, where ICC chairman Jay Shah was seated. Shah collected the ball and threw it back onto the field with a smile.

Watch: Rohit Sharma Imitates Hardik Pandya’s Monstrous Six in Front of Gautam Gambhir and Jay Shah

In an unseen video, Rohit Sharma was seen imitating Hardik Pandya’s monstrous six. Gautam Gambhir was seen smiling, while Shah recounted his exact reaction when Hardik launched the six into the Royal Box during the match. Fans shared their thoughts on the video on social media.

Have a look at the video right here:

The way captain Rohit Sharma, his jay bhai, Hardik Pandya and coach Gautam Gambhir are having fun together after winning the semi-final match.🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/ucpa0kH07j

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) March 6, 2025

Hardik Pandya scored 28 runs off 24 balls, including one four and three sixes. With six runs needed, Hardik attempted to clear Nathan Ellis over the bowler’s head but was caught by Glenn Maxwell at long-on.

As KL Rahul hit the winning runs, the Indian dressing room erupted in celebration. The India national cricket team booked their third consecutive Champions Trophy final appearance. They will take on New Zealand in the summit clash at the same venue on Sunday, March 9.

New Zealand Defeated by India in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group-Stage Match

New Zealand enter the Champions Trophy final, having played India in Dubai earlier in the tournament. They lost their group-stage match against India by 44 runs. However, the Mitchell Santner-led side will be high on confidence after their dominant 50-run semifinal win over South Africa in Lahore.

The two teams previously met in the 2000 Champions Trophy final, where New Zealand stunned India to claim their only title. Meanwhile, India are aiming for a record third Champions Trophy title with a win in the final. India lead New Zealand 61-50 in ODIs and 2-1 in Champions Trophy encounters.

Also read: Kane Williamson weighs in on India's 'Dubai advantage' controversy ahead of CT 2025 final