February 7, 2025: Hardik Pandya recently revisited his game-changing spell in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup final against South Africa, which played a pivotal role in ending India’s 17-year-long wait for the prestigious title. The 31-year-old all-rounder shared his strategy for outwitting South Africa’s power-hitter Heinrich Klaasen, who was threatening to take the game away from India with his explosive batting.
Pandya recalled how he and captain Rohit Sharma kept things simple, with a plan to bowl wide and slower to Klaasen, knowing that the South African batter would expect a ball on the stumps. This move worked wonders, as Klaasen’s edge handed India the breakthrough they desperately needed.
Pandya also reflected on the final over, where he needed to defend 16 runs against the experienced finisher David Miller. He devised a plan to force Miller to hit against the wind, setting him up for a wide yorker. Miller swung hard, but Suryakumar Yadav took a stunning catch, sealing India’s victory in dramatic fashion.
Pandya emphasized the importance of situational awareness and trusting his strengths, which helped India hold their nerve in such a tense scenario. He recalled the emotions of the moment when Suryakumar’s catch seemed to defy gravity, with the ball carrying due to the wind. This was a moment of immense pride for Pandya, as he felt the pressure and weight of months of hard work finally lift off his shoulders.
For Pandya, the victory was more than just a win—it was a dream come true and a moment of immense relief, having finally delivered for his country on cricket’s biggest stage.