Hardik Pandya the clutch performer: How the India all-rounder found his zen against England

“Clutch is Hardik Pandya.”

When the Indian all-rounder said this in a video released by the BCCI ahead of the T20 World Cup final, it sounded less like a boast and more like a statement of fact. In the 2024 T20 World Cup final, Hardik followed up Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliant spell by delivering a sensational final over. He had done something similar in the semi-final against England, when India briefly seemed under pressure.

After Bumrah bowled a superb 18th over, Hardik took charge in the 19th. England’s Jacob Bethell welcomed him with a six, but the all-rounder remained unfazed. Instead of losing focus, Hardik struck back in the same over by dismissing Sam Curran, tightening the pressure on England.

“There are two ways in life. I could have let my heart race and struggled to execute, so I went into my zen mode. It’s quite amazing that instead of my heartbeat rushing, I stayed calm. I’m really proud of that,” Hardik said.

He also revealed that Bethell was the key wicket he wanted.

“Bethell was the batter I had to get out because of the way he was batting. I knew I had to stay calm and put the ball where it needed to be. I would have liked it a little closer to the stumps, but nevertheless we got the job done,” he added.

Hardik then produced a moment of brilliance in the field, running out Bethell in the final over to seal India’s victory. The performance earned him the Impact Player of the Match medal, awarded by the Indian team management.

His animated celebration after the run-out reflected the emotion of the moment. Hardik later explained that his son Agastya and girlfriend Mahieka Sharma were in the stands, and he wanted them to share the intensity of the occasion.

“The reaction was also because my son came, and I wanted my son and my wife to enjoy this moment and feel how emotional I was,” he said.

Hardik has been a key contributor for India in the tournament, scoring 199 runs in eight matches while also picking up eight wickets.