T20 World Cup 2024: Netizens Celebrate Hardik Pandya's Triumphant Return In India's Win Over Ireland
T20 World Cup 2024: Before the World Cup, Hardik faced heavy criticism, especially following his transfer back to the Mumbai Indians from the Gujarat Titans. His appointment as captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, angered many Mumbai Indians' fans, leading to him being booed in almost every game of the 2024 IPL season.
In a thrilling T20 World Cup match, Hardik Pandya delivered an outstanding performance against Ireland after India won the toss and chose to bowl. In his 4 overs, Hardik took 3 wickets, conceded just 27 runs, and even bowled a maiden over, showcasing his brilliance on the field.
Before the World Cup, Hardik faced heavy criticism, especially following his transfer back to the Mumbai Indians from the Gujarat Titans. His appointment as captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, angered many Mumbai Indians' fans, leading to him being booed in almost every game of the 2024 IPL season. This negatively impacted Hardik¡¯s performance, resulting in a rather average season with both bat and ball.
Despite the scepticism surrounding his selection for the T20 World Cup squad, Hardik silenced his critics with a remarkable spell against Ireland, taking 3 crucial wickets. Social media, which once heavily criticized him, is now abuzz with celebrations of his comeback. Virat Kohli's devoted fans were particularly enthusiastic, backing Hardik and celebrating each of his wickets.
Some fans initially wanted Hardik to remove his headband, but their stance softened once he started taking wickets. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians faced trolling from some supporters. A group of fans believes Rohit Sharma knows how to utilize Hardik's bowling better than Hardik does himself, implying that Hardik bowling powerplay overs for Mumbai Indians ahead of Bumrah was a questionable decision.
Here's how netizens reacted in honour of Pandya's epic comeback:
People doubted him based on performance in IPL 2024.
¡ª VK FC (@ViratKohli__VK) June 5, 2024
He is performing for Team India at Big stage
Captain Hardik Pandya on Charge took 3 wickets#INDvsIRE pic.twitter.com/8W1JAvhSG7
#INDvsIRE
¡ª Pulkit (@PulkitK107) June 5, 2024
IPL ends**
Hardik Pandya's form in indian jersey:- pic.twitter.com/Vf7S7YUQtg
What a delivery from Hardik Pandya but please remove this headband brother. pic.twitter.com/dsm03s2uXf
¡ª R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) June 5, 2024
Hardik Pandya bowling for Mumbai Indians ?
¡ª Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) June 5, 2024
Hardik Pandya bowling for India ?
Only Captain Rohit Sharma knows when to send Hardik Pandya to ball. #INDvsIRE pic.twitter.com/LZ4bo1cv5A
Haters doubted Hardik Pandya on the basis of IPL and now he is performing at the biggest stage for his country. pic.twitter.com/15TtqA4H4o
¡ª ????????!??_?? (@bholination) June 5, 2024
13 dots from 18 balls Hardik bowled so far..
¡ª TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) June 5, 2024
Spell of 3-1-13-3 from the clutch Gawd Hardik Pandya?? pic.twitter.com/5jXey78SW3
4 overs 3 wickets 1 maiden
¡ª Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) June 5, 2024
All these done by Hardik Pandya wearing a headband ?? pic.twitter.com/eMJsvD1vw3
Batting first, Ireland was all out for just 96 runs. Arshdeep Singh (2/35 in 4 overs), Mohammed Siraj (1/13 in 3 overs), Jasprit Bumrah (2/6 in 3 overs), along with Hardik Pandya, didn¡¯t give any breathing space to Irish batters. They were made to look like novices in front of the swing, seam, and extra bounce produced by the four-pronged attack during the 14 out of 16 overs they bowled.
In response, riding on Rohit Sharma's 37-ball 52 and Rishabh Pant's gritty 36*, India reached the paltry target of 97 set by Ireland in 12.2 overs with 8 wickets remaining, despite Virat Kohli being dismissed early in the run-chase.
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