Watch: "Public ne booing kiya..." - Hardik Pandya complains to PM Narendra Modi about Rohit Sharma fans

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya opened up about the tough time that he had in the last 6 months to Prime Minister Modi after winning the T20 World Cup 2024. He said that he didn't want to answer the criticism with his words but he wanted to perform for his team.

The turnaround of Hardik Pandya has been one of the remarkable stories in Indian cricket. Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, the India vice-captain was one of the most hated players in the country and now after the tournament, he is the most loved cricketer in India. 

Hardik Pandya was appointed as the skipper of the Mumbai Indians ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The franchise sacked Rohit Sharma and this didn't go well with the fans as they lashed out at the all-rounder for replacing the India captain. 

Hardik Pandya was booed wherever he played but after he donned the Indian jersey, he made sure that he silenced all his criticism with his performances in the T20 World Cup 2024. He turned out to be the biggest key for India in the tournament and helped them win the biggest T20 trophy. 

Both the bat as well as ball, Hardik Pandya was sensational as he performed under pressure. The all-rounder was also handed the responsibility to defend 16 runs in the last over of the final against South Africa and he did exceptionally well. He removed David Miller on the first ball and then went on to win the match for his team. 

During an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Hardik Pandya said that the last 6 months were entertaining for him but he preferred to reply all that with his performance. Speaking about the same, he elaborated: 

"I mean, the reason I said that during the interview was because the last 6 months have been quite entertaining for me. I have been through a lot of ups and downs. I have gone to the ground and the public has booed me. I have gone through a lot of things. I have always believed that if I am going to give an answer, I will do it through a game."

I am still speechless - Hardik Pandya 

Hardik Pandya further went on to say that he is still speechless and stressed that he always believed that one should fight the battle. He added: 

"I will never give an answer through my answer. I am still speechless. I have always believed that you should fight in a battle. You should never leave the ground. This is what makes it difficult and this is what makes it successful. I believed in myself and had the support of all the players and captain. I got an opportunity to bowl the last over of the final. After Suryakumar Yadav took the catch, we celebrated first and then asked him if he took the catch or not. It was a game-changer and it released a lot of pressure.

Hardik Pandya talked about the tough phase in his career during the interaction with PM Narendra Modi.

Hardik said "if I give any answer, it would be through sport". 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ieAxP5hkS6

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 5, 2024

Hardik Pandya made a huge impact for India in their T20 World Cup win. The all-rounder scored 144 runs at an average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 151.57 in six innings and was even more exceptional with the ball. He bagged 11 wickets in 25 overs at an economy rate of 7.64.