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“And all the criticism he coped”: AB de Villers’s big praise for allrounder Hardik Pandya

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has heaped huge praises on Indian allrounder Hardik Pandya for his defining contribution at the T20I World Cup 2024 where India won the coveted title, thrashing South Africa in the final in Barbados. Hardik Pandya played a key role in India's victory at the T20I World Cup 2024, marking a significant comeback after facing intense criticism at the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024. Pandya endured a tough period just a month back, being booed by Mumbai Indians fans during IPL 2024 after being traded from Gujarat Titans.
It’s been a great comeback for Pandya, repaying the faith with his eye-catching performances at the biggest stage. After India’s victory, Hardik Pandya was in tears, celebrating India’s major title victory after thirteen years. de Villers commended Hardik's resilience and indomitable spirit on the filed that helped India in tense moments.
"A guy like Hardik Pandya who's been through a roller-coaster himself in this season with Mumbai Indians – moving from Gujarat to Mumbai – and all the criticism he coped with, getting the ball from the captain (Rohit Sharma) in the final of the T20 World Cup. That was his moment to go like, 'You know what… all Indian fans out there, this is what I am about as a cricket player'," De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
"He made everyone proud out there. Even though I did not want him to succeed like that, I look back and have a lot of respect for that. He is a big man for a big moment and that's exactly the way he played. To all Mumbai Indians fans out there who doubted him, I'm pretty sure he has secured a spot in your hearts for the future."
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