Pandya was constantly booed by the Mumbai Indians fans in the franchise league last year after he replaced Rohit Sharma as the team’s captain. He was at the receiving end of similar treatment from the supporters across different stadiums.
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However, the ex-Gujarat Titans skipper managed to put all that negativity behind him when India flew to the USA for the T20 World Cup. Pandya delivered match-winning performances, scoring 144 runs and scalping 11 dismissals in the tournament to end India’s 11-year-long wait for an ICC trophy.
“They (fans) said, life for me, had come a full circle. They said, from here on, there was no looking back. I had won them (fans) back,” said Pandya in a video posted by the BCCI on social media.
Pandya is eagerly looking forward to the match against Pakistan, saying that India are keen to emerge champions again in a tournament that they have won twice before.
“A new year, a new tournament and a new challenge awaits us. Our quest to become champions once again has begun.
“Today, we step out yet again to start fresh, to conquer another day, to conquer another opponent. Chapter 2 in the Champions Trophy awaits. Get ready and fasten your seat-belts for a contest that needs no introduction,” he said.
In the opening clash against Bangladesh, Pandya bowled four overs and conceded 20 runs. His skills with the ball will be crucial to bring more balance into the Indian playing XI.
First Published: Feb 23, 2025 10:24 AM IST
