After India’s victory in the Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday, March 9, Hardik Pandya won his second ICC championship as an Indian player. In the grand finals at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, his appearance against New Zealand helped put the icing on the cake for India’s chase. During his brief tenure at the crease, he formed a strong partnership with KL Rahul, which helped steer India towards safer waters.
Speaking candidly about the team’s feelings following the game, Hardik Pandya said that the team’s success has been aided by each member’s self-belief in their abilities.
Additionally, he showered Rahul with accolades, acknowledging the wicketkeeper-batter’s extraordinary talent. The Baroda all-rounder further asserted that Rahul’s ability to make strokes on his day is unmatched by anyone.
“We played the style of cricket we did because we have faith in our talent set. Everybody has self-belief. We know that we can complete the task as a team, even if one of us—KL, myself, or anybody else—leaves. This triumph was the result of a full team effort rather than individual skill.
Whether it was a game-changing innings, a vital bowling spell, or an outstanding catch, everyone made their contributions at the appropriate times. And that’s what added even more significance to this victory,” Hardik stated through Star Sports.
“KL Rahul deserves special recognition because of who he is. Few players have the talent and time that he possesses. He demonstrated his skills in the last two games, and I’m quite pleased for him,” he continued.
I’ve been blessed by God: KL Rahul
For those who were unaware, the Karnataka batsman had been under a lot of fire after his slow 66-run performance off 107 balls in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Rahul’s role as the driver that propelled the Men in Blue across the finish line was therefore a kind of atonement. Rahul hit a six and a boundary while scoring 34* from 33 balls. He was not out three times during the competition and scored 140 runs at an average of 140.00.
There isn’t a better feeling, in my opinion. In an interview with Star Sports a few months ago, I stated that my sole goal going forward is to win as many trophies as I can. I’ve been fortunate enough to be in positions where I can help my team win games.
I haven’t been able to do that all the time, but that’s the great thing about sports: you never stop having chances. God will bless you if you maintain your humility, train diligently, have a good heart, and let your bat speak for itself. All I can say is that. We put in a lot of effort throughout our careers, but these kinds of moments are really unique,” the Bengaluru native remarked.
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