Watch: Rohit Sharma kisses Hardik Pandya on cheek after India's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph

In a brilliant finale at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29, Team India (IND) emerged victorious in the T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa (SA) by a narrow seven-run margin. The match culminated in an emotional moment between captain Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Hardik Pandya. After the victory, the Indian skipper gave a kiss on the cheek to all-rounder while he was speaking after the match

After winning the toss, India chose to bat first on a batting-friendly pitch, setting a challenging target of 177 runs for the Proteas. The match reached its climax in the final over, with South Africa needing 16 runs to clinch the title. Rohit Sharma gave the ball to Pandya for this crucial over. Pandya rose to the occasion spectacularly, conceding only seven runs and claiming two vital wickets of David Miller and Kagiso Rabada, to secure India's victory.

“Means a lot. It is very emotional. We have been working very hard but something was not clicking. I think it is more special for me, the last six months I have been grateful for not speaking a word. things have been unfair but I believe if I keep working hard there will be a time where I will be able to shine. I think that sums everything up. It was a dream to win and especially getting an opportunity like this,” Hardik said after the match.

Check out the viral Rohit-Hardik moment here:

Hardik and Rohit Sharma 💙 pic.twitter.com/2BzDV2XSau

— Virat AV (@av_vk18) June 29, 2024

Also Read: Virat Kohli announces T20I retirement post India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory

Make sure every ball I bowl I give it my hundred percent: Hardik Pandya

Besides, Hardik Pandya opened up about being calm at the pressure moment. He credited Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh for bowling those hard overs and getting India back in the game.

“We always believed we can do it. It was just about keeping calm and executing the plans. And let the pressure come to them. Credit to Jassie and the fast bowlers the way they bowled the last four-five overs, it changed everything," he added.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah cleans up Reeza Hendricks with an absolute peach in T20 World Cup Final

The all-rounder spoke about Indian head coach Rahul Dravid, who was coaching the Indian side for the last time. Pandya opened up about being in this situation before and doing the job for the side. In the end he signed ut by saying that this was the most fitting farewell for the head coach.

“I knew if I am not going to be calm it is not going to help me. So, for me it was simple that I execute my plans and make sure every ball I bowl I give it my hundred percent. I have been in this situation before, I might not have won but I always enjoy pressure. All of a sudden my run up speed increases. It has been wonderful,” he further added.

“I mean I am very happy for him. Really enjoyed working with him. To give him a farewell like this, this is how his coaching career ends. We had a very good relationship, kind of became friends. Very excited and very happy for him,” Pandya concluded.