Former South African captain AB de Villiers, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in cricket history, has expressed his admiration for Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya following Pandya’s crucial role in Team India’s memorable victory at the T20 World Cup 2024 held across the USA and West Indies.
De Villiers highlighted Pandya’s journey and resilience, noting the challenges and criticism the talented all-rounder has faced, especially during his transitions between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2024.
AB de Villiers praises Hardik Pandya’s T20 World Cup 2024 heroics, reminds Mumbai Indians (MI) fans of his worth
AB de Villiers has criticized Mumbai Indians’ fans for their harsh treatment of Hardik Pandya during IPL 2024, despite Pandya’s pivotal role in India’s victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. Pandya, entrusted with a crucial bowling task by captain Rohit Sharma, delivered under immense pressure, securing India’s first ICC trophy in 11 years by defending 15 runs in the final over in Barbados on June 29.
De Villiers acknowledged the difficulties Pandya faced, particularly with Mumbai Indians’ supporters, who had jeered him after he took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma in IPL 2024. He expressed hope that Pandya’s outstanding performance in the World Cup final would earn him the respect he deserves from the Mumbai Indians’ fanbase.
AB de Villiers, the former captain of South Africa, praised Hardik Pandya’s performance in the final over of the 2024 T20 World Cup, describing it as a pivotal moment that showcased Pandya’s ability to excel under intense pressure.
De Villiers suggested that those who had questioned Pandya’s capabilities, particularly Mumbai Indians’ fans, might now reconsider their opinions after witnessing his outstanding performance in the final. He emphasized that Pandya proved himself to be a player who rises to the occasion in critical situations, deserving admiration and respect for his achievements on such a significant stage.
I’m pretty sure Hardik Pandya has secured a spot in MI fans’ hearts: AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers said on his YouTube channel: “What stands out for me are the big moments. A guy like Hardik Pandya who’s been through a roller-coaster himself with Mumbai Indians – moving from Gujarat to Mumbai – and all the criticism he coped with, getting the ball from the captain in the final of the T20 World Cup. That was his moment to go like, ‘You know what… all Indian fans out there, this is what I am about as a cricket player’.”
He added, “He made everyone proud out there. Even though I did not want him to succeed like that, I look back and have a lot of respect for that. He is a big man for a big moment and that’s exactly the way he played. To all you Mumbai Indians fans out there who doubted him, I’m pretty sure he has secured a spot in your hearts for the future.”
Notably, Hardik was instrumental in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, contributing with both bat and ball. He finished the mega event with 144 runs at a strike rate of over 150 and also took 11 wickets for the Men in Blue.
