[Watch] Hardik Pandya nonchalantly takes a 'one-handed catch' during T20 World Cup victory parade in Vadodara
All-rounder Hardik Pandya, Team India's vice-captain during the 2024 T20 World Cup, took a nonchalant 'one-handed catch ' during the victory parade organized for him in Vadodara. The incident was similar to the one at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai where he caught a T-shirt during the lap of honor.
India beat South Africa by seven runs in the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados on June 29. Following the triumph, which ended the Men in Blue's 11-year-old drought in ICC events, a massive celebration was organized for the winning squad in Mumbai. There was a parade at Marine Drive and a felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium.
On returning to his hometown in Vadodara on Monday, July 15, Pandya got a grand welcome, with a massive crowd lining the streets for his open-bus parade. A clip from the same event is going viral on social media in which Pandya is seen catching a ball thrown at him with his right hand. He completed the take rather neatly.
The all-rounder's brother, Krunal, was also seen with him during the victory parade in Vadodara. A day after the grand homecoming, Pandya took to his official X handle and posted glimpses from the parade. Along with the video, he posted a thank you note for the fans, which read:
"Surreal ❤️ Thank you for all the love Baroda, thank you for the support and thank you for making this such a special day. So many emotions, but always grateful. 🙏🇮🇳."
Meanwhile, Krunal shared a video of the crowd making way for an ambulance during the parade and thanked fans for the noble gesture. A similar incident was witnessed during the victory parade in Mumbai as well.
Hardik Pandya overcame a horror IPL season to star in India's T20 World Cup triumph
Pandya, who was named captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise for the IPL 2024 season, had a forgettable edition. He disappointed with both bat and ball and failed as a leader as well. The cricketer was also booed at various venues by fans who were unhappy with him replacing Rohit as MI captain.
The all-rounder, however, lifted himself in commendable fashion during the 2024 T20 World Cup played in the West Indies and United States. He registered figures of 3-20 in the final against South Africa in Barbados and also bowled the high-pressure last over, with the Proteas needing 16 runs for victory. The right-arm pacer was in tears after India's win in the summit clash.