Hardik Pandya Smiles Despite Dismissal in Champions Trophy Semi-Final

Dubai, UAE – In a thrilling finish, India secured a spot in the final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy by defeating Australia by four wickets on March 4. Hardik Pandya’s performance was pivotal, scoring 28 runs off 24 balls as India chased down a target of 265.

Despite being dismissed just six runs short of victory, Pandya’s unusual reaction saw him smiling as he walked back to the dressing room. Axar Patel, who witnessed the moment, commented, “Anyone else would have been dejected… you walked back smiling while the dressing room was melting down.” To this, Pandya replied, “I knew those sixes had done their job. Simple.”

During the match, Virat Kohli contributed significantly with 84 runs, and Shreyas Iyer added 45, setting a strong foundation for India. However, as the chase neared its conclusion, both pressure and excitement hung in the air. KL Rahul stayed unbeaten at 42, supporting Pandya during their crucial sixth-wicket partnership.

Pandya, who was part of a notable 34-run stand with Rahul, hit three sixes in his inning, bringing much-needed momentum to the chase. Reflecting on his unique response after getting out, he said, “I was smiling. I didn’t think of hitting two sixes. I knew it would happen at anytime. But I knew that people must have gotten a little tense in the dressing room.”

“You have any idea how all of us inside felt? We were all on edge,” Patel reminded him, laughing. Hardik’s cheerful demeanor seemed to lighten the mood despite the tense circumstances. “When you smacked those two sixes with such swagger and walked back in, we all knew we were good,” Patel added.

India’s victory was historic not only for the win margin but also for the performance level against Australia, who had been formidable in past encounters. Pandya’s late-game heroics not only relieved the pressure off crew but solidified his role as a key player in high-stakes matches. He concluded, “I was just observing the environment around me. I had trust in myself.”

As India prepares to face New Zealand in the final on March 9, 2025, hopes are high that the team can capitalise on their momentum. A win against New Zealand would mark India’s third Champions Trophy title.