After IPL 2022 title victory, Hardik Pandya wants to win T20 World Cup with India

Hardik Pandya’s bucket list includes winning the T20 World Cup with India after leading Gujarat Titans to the IPL victory in their inaugural season.

In front of more than 100,000 spectators at their home venue in Ahmedabad, Pandya led by example in Sunday’s final against the 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals, as Gujarat won by seven wickets.

Pandya took three key wickets, including Jos Buttler, the tournament’s top scorer, to limit Rajasthan to a total that Gujarat knocked down with 11 balls to spare.

It also demonstrated that Pandya has fully healed from a back issue that compelled him to play only as a batsman for the previous two seasons.

Asked what would be his next goal, the 28-year-old said:

“Absolutely to win the World Cup for India no matter what happens.

“I am going to give it everything I have. Always been that kind of guy to put the team first. Also for me the goal will be simple: to make sure my team gets it the most.

“It has always been a pleasure for me to represent the country … Long term, short term, I want to win the World Cup no matter what happens.”

Former players such as Sunil Gavaskar, the former India captain, have hailed Pandya’s calm and deft leadership, which they believe was vital to Gujarat’s triumph.

“Obviously this will be a little special because I have won it as a captain,” said Pandya, who had won four IPL titles with Mumbai Indians before taking up the leadership role at Gujarat.

“I consider myself very lucky that I have played five finals, and have lifted the trophy five times.

“Obviously this will leave a legacy because we are a new franchise, playing for the first time, and we are champions in the first season.”

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