Watch: 'So much more I want to say...' - Ishan Kishan charges at Hardik Pandya for a kiss on the sofa

Ishan Kishan, on Friday (July 5), met Hardik Pandya and congratulated him for his starring role for India in their victorious campaign at the recently-concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Hardik Pandya played a huge role with both bat and ball in the tournament as India went all the way and ended their long wait for an ICC trophy. India had not won the T20 World Cup since 2007 while their last ICC trophy had come way back in 2013. They finally managed to end the long wait with a win over South Africa in the final.

India beat the Proteas by 7 runs in a thrilling final to win the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup. Hardik Pandya had performed for Team India throughout the tournament and made a huge impact in the final as well. South Africa were in the driver's seat after racing away to 151/4 in 16 overs while chasing 177.

The India vice-captain then turned the game on its head by dismissing the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen for 52 on the first ball of the 17th over. Later in the final over, he sent back David Miller on the very first ball and went on to defend 15 runs as India restricted South Africa to 169/8 and won the thriller. Overall, Pandya scored 144 runs at an average of 48 in addition to picking up 11 wickets at 17.36.

Ishan Kishan pays tribute to Hardik Pandya:

On Friday, Ishan Kishan took to Instagram to pay tribute to his senior teammate. The left-handed batsman posted a heartwarming video in which he paid a surprise visit to Pandya at his residence and congratulated him for his performance. Both of them shared a warm hug before Kishan kissed Pandya.

In his caption, Kishan highlighted how Pandya managed to stay calm and focused despite things not going his way before the World Cup. The ace allrounder had faced backlash from the fans throughout the IPL campaign. He was booed wherever he went as the fans vented their anger over Rohit Sharma being replaced by him as the Mumbai Indians captain.

"You faced so many things these past few months yet you stayed calm and focused. And today bhaiya you got the result of your hard-work, honesty and sincerity. There’s so much more i feel and want to say but words will fall short. You are a champion and you are rare ♥️💪🏼," wrote Ishan Kishan.

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