Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

After IPL, Pandya wants to win T20 World Cup with India

Pandya claimed three crucial wickets, including that of the tournament’s leading scorer Jos Buttler in IPL 2022 final

After IPL, Pandya wants to win T20 World Cup with India

After leading Gujarat Titans to the Indian Premier League (IPL) title in their first season, winning the Twenty20 World Cup with India is next on Hardik Pandya's bucket list.

Pandya led by example in Sunday's final against 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals as Gujarat triumphed by seven wickets in front of more than 100,000 fans at their home ground in Ahmedabad.


Pandya claimed three crucial wickets, including that of the tournament's leading scorer Jos Buttler, to restrict Rajasthan to a total which Gujarat chased down with 11 balls to spare.

It also proved Pandya has fully recovered from a back injury which had forced him to play purely as a batter over the last two seasons.

Gujarat Titans Gujarat Titans (Photo/Twitter: @hardikpandya7)

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. 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 including ex-India captain Sunil Gavaskar have praised Pandya's composed and deft leadership, which they believe was crucial to Gujarat's victory.

"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."

Courtesy: Reuters

More For You

Asia Cup 2025: India and Pakistan brace for high-stakes clash

Cricket fans with their bodies painted in the colours of the Indian and Pakistani national flags pose for photographs ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan, in Ahmedabad. (PTI Photo)

Asia Cup 2025: India and Pakistan brace for high-stakes clash

INDIA and Pakistan face off on Sunday (14) in their first T20 International in more than 15 months, a contest carrying both sporting and political weight.

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has urged his players to put emotions aside after recent cross-border tensions, stressing that focus must remain on cricket.

Keep ReadingShow less
India Pak

India began their campaign with a nine-wicket win against the UAE, bowling them out for 57 in 13.1 overs before chasing the target in just 27 balls on Thursday. (Photo: Getty Images)

India and Pakistan set for Asia Cup clash after May conflict

AN INDIA-PAKISTAN cricket match always draws attention, and emotions are set to run high when the two teams meet on Sunday in the Asia Cup. The contest comes months after the neighbours engaged in a four-day military conflict in May.

Bilateral cricket ties between the two countries have been suspended for years, and the arch-rivals now face each other only in multi-nation tournaments. The upcoming Group A fixture will be their first meeting since the May clashes, which nearly escalated into a full-scale war.

Keep ReadingShow less
Litton-Hridoy-Getty

Bangladesh lost two early wickets in their chase, but Litton built a 95-run stand with Towhid Hridoy, who remained unbeaten on 35, to take the team to 144-3 in 17.4 overs. (Photo: c

Getty Images

Litton, Towhid steer Bangladesh past Hong Kong in Asia Cup

CAPTAIN Litton Das scored 59 to guide Bangladesh to a seven-wicket win over Hong Kong in their opening Asia Cup match on Thursday.

Invited to bat first in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong made 143-7 with Nizakat Khan top-scoring on 42.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep picked three wickets in one over with his left-arm wrist spin as India bowled out UAE for 57 in 13.1 overs after choosing to field.

Getty Images

Kuldeep takes four as India thrash UAE in Asia Cup opener

KULDEEP YADAV took 4-7 as India began their Asia Cup campaign with a nine-wicket win over hosts United Arab Emirates in Dubai on Wednesday.

Kuldeep picked three wickets in one over with his left-arm wrist spin as India bowled out UAE for 57 in 13.1 overs after choosing to field.

Keep ReadingShow less
Djed Spence

England manager Thomas Tuchel gives instructions to England's Djed Spence before he comes on as a substitute.

Reuters

Djed Spence becomes first Muslim to play for England

TOTTENHAM Hotspur defender Djed Spence made his England debut on Tuesday, becoming the first Muslim to play for the national team.

The 25-year-old came on as a substitute in the 69th minute, replacing Chelsea’s Reece James during England’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying win in Belgrade.

Keep ReadingShow less