This is why Hardik Pandya is crucial to India's ICC campaigns! All-rounder Hardik Pandya once again proved his worth in India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
With India searching for a breakthrough, Rohit Sharma handed the ball to Hardik in the 8th over — and he delivered instantly, striking on just his second ball. Hardik sent back the "Pakistani King" Babar Azam, dismissing him for 23 off 26 balls.
The breakthrough came just when India needed it most! Hardik pulled his length back slightly and kept the ball outside off, with no real movement. Babar, thinking the cover drive was on, pushed at it — only to edge it straight to KL Rahul, who took a sharp, low catch to his right.
What caught everyone's attention was Hardik’s celebration — a subtle yet bold 'bye bye' gesture to Babar Azam as the Pakistani skipper walked back to the pavilion.
Fans didn't waste a second, flooding social media with reactions and memes celebrating Hardik's iconic send-off.
One fan wrote: "Hardik Pandya saying 'Bye, Bye' to Babar Azam (laughing emoji)"
Another said: "ALL HAIL THE CLUTCH GOD. What a wicket — just when Babar was starting to look good!"
Someone else added: "Hardik Pandya giving a cold send-off to Babar Azam... ruthless!"
About IND vs PAK
As of now, 13 overs have been bowled, with Pakistan at 59/2. After Babar's departure, a direct throw from Axar Patel at the non-striker's end ran Imam-ul-Haq out for 10 off 26 balls. Saud Shakeel and skipper Mohammad Rizwan are currently at the crease.
India has stuck with their unchanged squad, while Pakistan made a forced change — Fakhar Zaman missed out due to injury, with Imam-ul-Haq stepping in.
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav?
Pakistan (Playing XI): Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed?
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