ICC World Cup 2019: Hardik Pandya Hopes to Help India Lift the World Cup

Indian National Cricket Team have made a stunning start to their ICC World Cup 2019 campaign with a convincing six wickets victory over South Africa at the Ageas Bowl. India have landed in England with their eyes set on the coveted trophy and in-form all-rounder Hardik Pandya admitted that he wants to be the guy to help his country lift the title.

Pandya dreams to lift the World Cup

Yuzvendra Chahal and Jasprit Bumrah starred with the ball to restrict South Africa to 228 runs. However, the Proteas were reeling at 135 for six before two crucial hands from Andile Phehlukwayo, and Chris Morris helped them post 200+ runs on the board. In reply, Rohit Sharma unbeaten century guided the Men in Blues home along with contributions from MS Dhoni and KL Rahul. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya struck the winning runs to start the campaign on a high.

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However, ahead of the tournament, Hardik Pandya in an exclusive chat with ICC, admitted that he wants to help India lift the coveted trophy on July 14 at the historic Lord’s balcony. He also spoke about his relationship with other players and stated that every teammate is his brother.

“I am someone who thinks about every game. I have thought about lifting the World Cup as well. I want to be the guy who makes sure India gets there. My teammates are my brothers. This is one team where everyone is close to each other, I can joke around with anyone. I have a fantastic relation with everyone,” Pandya said.

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Meanwhile, India have attracted good support wherever they go to play. Virat Kohli & Co will have a fair amount of support during the tournament, and Hardik Pandya feels the fans will not make them feel that they are away from home. The dynamic all-rounder also said that this format is very good as this helps to buck up even if one team loses a few matches at the start.

“Indian crowd here won’t make us feel like we are playing in England. That would be nice actually. Even if something goes wrong in a couple of games, we still have 7 or 8 games to go to make up for it,” he concluded.