"I was actually the one who criticized him" - Irfan Pathan lauds Hardik Pandya's 'special journey' in 2024 T20 World Cup
Irfan Pathan has lauded Hardik Pandya for his 'special journey' to lifting the 2024 T20 World Cup after the lows of this year's Indian Premier League. The former India all-rounder acknowledged that he was among the experts who criticized his fellow Baroda player during IPL 2024.
Hardik smashed 144 runs at an average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 151.57 in six innings in India's title-winning run in the recently concluded T20 World Cup. The seam-bowling all-rounder also picked up 11 wickets in 25 overs at an economy rate of 7.64.
While speaking on Star Sports, Pathan praised Hardik for his sensational comeback.
"It's been a special journey for Hardik Pandya. Coming back from all the criticism, I was actually the one who criticized him because he was not performing during the IPL time. He was making a lot of mistakes at that time," he said.
The cricketer-turned-commentator added that the Indian vice-captain showed character and performed virtually perfectly.
"From there to coming back and winning the World Cup has been special. He showed the character, he performed to the T. With Rohit Sharma, with Jasprit Bumrah, the kind of performance he did to make a difference to the Indian cricket team has been so special," Pathan stated.
Hardik picked up the crucial wicket of the destructive Heinrich Klaasen in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. He also got rid of David Miller off the first ball of the final over, with Suryakumar Yadav taking a sensational catch, to help India register a seven-run win.
"When I see his journey leading up to this World Cup, it reminds me of my journey" - Irfan Pathan on Hardik Pandya
![Hardik Pandya (left) struggled with bat, ball, and as a captain in IPL 2024. [P/C: iplt20.com]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/07/318e1-17201506357563-1920.jpg?w=500)
Irfan Pathan compared Hardik Pandya's journey with his own one before the 2007 T20 World Cup.
"When I see his journey leading up to this World Cup, it reminds me of my journey as well because I remember I was dropped from the team before the 2007 T20 World Cup. I was playing for India A in Zimbabwe and Kenya. I was actually going through a hardship where I really struggled with my body and hard work," he elaborated via the aforementioned source.
The Player of the Match in the 2007 T20 World Cup final added that the Mumbai Indians captain's comeback will be remembered for ages.
"I remember going to the MRF Pace Foundation and working in the quietness, and that journey is very similar to Hardik's because he went through a lot as far as performance, criticism and booing are concerned. It's been a special journey to remember for a lifetime," Pathan observed.
Pathan concluded by pointing out that while everyone wants to win the World Cup, all-rounders have double responsibility. He added that two Baroda all-rounders showed character by lifting T20 World Cups after bouncing back from issues in their lives.