Rohit Sharma-led India are currently in Dubai preparing for their second league match of the Champions Trophy 2025 where they will face arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23 at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya who got booed by fans in 2024 reckons that he has ‘won back’ his fans after his contributions to India in the T20 World Cup 2024 win.
Hardik faced much criticism after being appointed Mumbai Indians captain replacing Rohit Sharma in the last edition of the Indian Premier League. However, Hardik put all the negativity behind him when the Indian team flew to the USA for the T20 World Cup and dished out match-winning performances. He ended up scoring 144 runs and taking 11 wickets in the global tournament as India reclaimed the Cup after 2007.
As India are facing Pakistan for their second league match of the Champions Trophy, Hardik Pandya urged fans to get ready for the high-voltage clash. Here is the clip
“They said, life for me had come a full circle. They said, from here on, there was no looking back. I had won them back. A new year, a new tournament and a new challenge await us. Our quest to become champions once again has begun. Today we step out yet again to start fresh. To conquer another day and to conquer another opponent. Chapter 2 in the Champions Trophy awaits. Get ready and fasten your seatbelts for a contest that needs no introductions. We are ready. Are you?” said Hardik in a video shared by BCCI.
India have already won their first league match against Bangladesh and now if the Men in Blue beat Pakistan they will confirm their berth in the semifinals. On the other hand, defending champions Pakistan have lost their opener clash and the upcoming clash against India will be a do-or-die clash for them.
