Ahmedabad, March 9 (NationPress) All-rounder Hardik Pandya referred to India’s triumph in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup as a pivotal moment of redemption and a testament to his enduring beliefs. Following a commanding 96-run victory against New Zealand in the final, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, India not only defended their title but also made history by becoming the first team to win the T20 World Cup at home and for the third time.

Reflecting on his journey, Pandya highlighted the challenges he faced since the last World Cup cycle. “In that (2024 WC final) scenario, there was significant difficulty, and a lot had transpired, making this victory a matter of redemption and my fifth comeback. This win is what I strive for. I have dedicated my life to cricket for this purpose—I aim to win as many trophies for India as possible,” he expressed to the broadcasters post-match.

Pandya emphasized that his aspiration to win trophies for India has always been genuine. “After Barbados, I declared that for every trophy I compete for, I will secure it. I didn't say this lightly; I genuinely believe it, and this triumph validates my belief,” he stated.

While acknowledging the importance of belief and manifestation, the all-rounder reiterated that success is ultimately rooted in hard work. “It’s a manifestation, but considerable hard work goes into it; it’s not solely that. Everyone strives hard, but for me, the results stem from relentless effort. I focus on working hard and being a decent human being,” he added.

Pandya recognized the support from those behind the scenes who helped him maintain physical and mental readiness during tough times. “I want to express my gratitude to my team—Mohit, Kartik, my physiotherapist, my security, Siddhant, my nutritionist Nikhil, my trainers, Sagar, and my chef, Vijay. They have been remarkable. The Hardik Pandya you see today is the result of their dedication,” he remarked.

He also expressed profound appreciation for his wife, noting her significant role in his recent achievements. “Since Mahika became part of my life, my focus has been solely on winning and how I can progress. A special mention to Mahika and my entire team; without them, this success wouldn't have been possible,” he stated.

Now recognized as one of the senior members of the Indian squad, Pandya conveyed his ongoing ambitions for the next phase of his career. “It feels good to be considered a senior player now. However, I still have ten years ahead of me, with half my career completed. I aspire to win at least ten trophies, including ICC and IPL titles, but ICC trophies hold the utmost significance for me,” he said.

He expressed a desire to add more international titles to his accolades. “Having already secured three, I aim to win everything I compete for. In the next decade, I anticipate at least five or six more titles; that’s my goal,” he shared.

Winning a World Cup on home turf made the achievement even more meaningful for Pandya. “Yes, it carries immense emotional weight for me because securing a World Cup in India, amidst the excitement of the crowd, is incredibly significant,” he remarked.

Pandya further reflected on the team's belief heading into the final and pivotal moments earlier in the tournament. “It may seem like we won easily now, but the hard work put in by the team has been substantial. From yesterday, I had confidence in our championship potential. I believe that the 19th over during the semi-final against England was as crucial as my performance in the 2024 World Cup, and I cherished that moment,” he explained.

For Pandya, the journey conveys a broader message about perseverance and humility. “Life teaches you valuable lessons. When you work hard, remain grounded, and find joy in others' happiness, the divine will provide opportunities. This serves as a lesson for the entire nation—regardless of circumstances, if you persist in hard work and humility, the universe will support you,” he concluded.

He also commended teammates Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, who were instrumental in India’s championship run. “I take immense pride in both of them. They arrived, worked diligently, remained humble, and their efforts have been rewarded. I am genuinely proud of them,” he stated.