Hardik Pandya’s journey comes full circle in Dubai with Champions Trophy triumph

Dubai: September 19, 2018. Under the bright sunny skies of Dubai’s packed stadium, Hardik Pandya charged in for his fifth over against Pakistan. But in a split second, his world collapsed. Writhing in pain, he was stretchered off the field — a career-threatening back injury leaving his future uncertain.

Seven years later, Pandya stood tall once again in Dubai — not as a player battling for fitness, but as India’s strike bowler in the Champions Trophy final. On Sunday, the 31-year-old helped end India’s eight-year wait for the coveted trophy, delivering a performance that completed his journey from heartbreak to redemption.

Hardik’s impact in the final

Pandya capped yet another memorable ICC tournament with both bat and ball, playing a crucial role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph. He scored 99 runs in four innings, with a best of 45, and picked up four wickets. With this, the flamboyant right-hander extended his hot streak in ICC tournaments, once again proving how clutch a player he is for the Men in Blue.

Speaking on finally winning the Champions Trophy after missing out in 2017 — despite a valiant 76 against Pakistan during a tough chase of 339 in London — Pandya said his “unfulfilled dream” had now been realised.

“These eight years have been so long. So much has happened. At the same time, India’s win has been very important for me,” he added.

Battling setbacks with resilience

The all-rounder acknowledged the challenges in both his life and career and spoke about how he has always tried to “throw punches” at them.

“If you do not leave the battlefield, you will have a chance. If you go home and cry, you will not be able to see the outcome. If you dive, you can stop the ball. If you do not, you won’t. This learning has helped me in both life and cricket,” he said.

During his recovery from injury, Hardik didn’t bowl a single over for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He was forced to take a lengthy break from competitive cricket after the Twenty20 World Cup in the UAE in 2021. Yet, he revealed that bowling remains close to his heart.

“If Hardik is bowling, I do not have to worry about my batting because it takes care of itself. I have prepared myself for game situations. I was fond of hitting sixes since I was 14. I did not have power back then, but now I do. It is my hard work that is paying off,” he added.

Eyes set on IPL glory

After realising one dream with Team India, the Mumbai Indians skipper will now shift his focus to securing a sixth IPL title for his franchise when the new season begins on March 22.

In the opening clash, which pits two five-time IPL champions against each other, Mumbai Indians will take on their arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings at the Lion’s Den in Chennai on March 23.

The ultimate comeback story

From being stretchered off in agony to lifting a trophy on the same stage, Hardik Pandya’s journey is the ultimate comeback story. Seven years ago, his body gave up on him, but he never gave up on himself. On Sunday, he wasn’t just India’s all-rounder — he was their symbol of resilience.