In the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final between Australia and India in Dubai, Hardik Pandya‘s game-winning cameo was essential in guaranteeing India’s spot in the final. The all-rounder made a vital knock despite battling a twisted knee. Yograj Singh, a former cricket player for India, gave Pandya a lot of credit for his memorable performance.
Pandya entered the game at a crucial juncture and was challenged to score 40 runs off of 42 balls. He changed the trend in India’s advantage by hitting two vital sixes in the 47th over as the needed run rate increased. The Men in Blue’s successful chase was greatly aided by his innings of 28 off 24 balls, which included three sixes and a four.
Hardik Pandya came close to finishing the chase, but he was dismissed in the 48th over despite his best efforts. Singh did stress the value of supporting athletes who risk their lives for the team, though.
In our nation, cricket is a religion. These players sacrifice their blood and sweat for us; when they fall, pick them up; when they’re depressed, comfort them; and when they’re unable to walk, carry them on your shoulders. Hardik’s knee was bent. Despite his inability to walk, he won the match. This is something that ought to teach everybody. Whether they win or lose, people should be optimistic. A gamer will be permanently depressed if you continuously disparage him. According to Lokmat Times, Yograj stated, “Hardik Pandya’s knee got twisted today.”
That shot wasn’t necessary, which makes me sad: Yograj Singh
India was chasing, but Virat Kohli’s genius with the bat pushed them through yet again. The Delhi-born player led the team from 43/2 to within striking distance of the target with an 84-run inning.
While praising Kohli’s efforts, Yograj also pointed out that the batting mainstay might have won the match on his own and that his dismissal was needless. Following their victory over Australia, Team India will now play either South Africa or New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final. The team will face the Kiwis in the top match, according to the former cricket player’s prediction.
“Virat is a match-winner. But the fact that that shot was needless makes me sad. The match should have been over by now. I think of him as my son. If India had lost, his century would have been a waste. Today, he brought about a game-change. The former India cricket player went on, “I want to tell those who criticise Virat, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill to stop and support your child so that we may keep moving forward.
“India is competing today in the finals. India will defeat New Zealand in the final,” Yograj said.