Team India star Hardik Pandya has made a big statement about his ability to perform under extreme pressure after the victory over England in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026. Pandya also talked about his son and his girlfriend Mahika, who were cheering him from the stands during his fielding performance.
This legendary all-rounder played a big role in all three departments in the semi-final against England. They achieved a thrilling win at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, March 5. The Men in Blue will face New Zealand in the final match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Clutch is Hardik Pandya – Ace all-rounder gave a big statement
In the last over of the match, Hardik Pandya ran out England’s centurion Jacob Bethel. He made a brilliant long throw from the deep to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, who quickly blew the bails to take India closer to victory.
In a video released by BCCI on its official website, the all-rounder said that he kept himself completely calm. He further said that he takes great pride in maintaining his composure during a difficult situation.
“Clutch is Hardik Pandya. There are two ways in life. I could have my heart pounding and not be able to act on it. So, I went into my ‘Zen mode’. Amazingly enough, instead of my heart pounding, I was still, and I think yes, I think I’m really proud of that,” Pandya said proudly.
𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙨 𝘾𝙂𝙩𝙧𝙝. … !
See | #TeamIndia | #T20WorldCup | #meninblue | #ENGvIND | @hardikpandya7 https://t.co/GAjOCoACnQ
– BCCI (@BCCI) 7 March 2026
I wanted my son and Mahika to enjoy this moment – Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya also revealed the real reason behind his energetic reaction after completing the crucial run-out. Pandya said he wanted to share his immense excitement with his family members who had come to the stadium to watch.
“If I had to go off the field, one batsman would have to be out, Bethel, the way he batted,” Pandya said. He said, “I knew I had to throw it. Stay calm, throw it where it’s supposed to be.”
He said, “I would have liked it a little closer to the stumps, but still, we got the job done and also, the reaction was more because my son had come and I wanted my son and Mahika to enjoy the moment and feel how excited I am.”
Hardik Pandya gave an important all-round performance in the semi-finals
During the semi-finals, Hardik Pandya scored 27 runs in just 12 balls with the help of five fours. With the ball, he dismissed Phil Salt early in his spell and bowled a decisive final over, conceding only nine runs and leaving Shivam Dubey with 29 runs to defend.
India will now have a chance to create history by winning their third T20 World Cup title against New Zealand on Sunday. If they win, they will become the first team to win the tournament three times and also the first team to successfully defend the crown.
Pandya’s figures against the Black Caps give confidence. In 18 T20 matches against New Zealand, he has scored 242 runs and taken 13 wickets. Notably, his best bowling figures of 4/16 in the format came against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in 2023.
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