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Hardik Pandya's Emotional Celebration for Son After Crucial T20 WC Wicket

Hardik Pandya revealed his energetic celebration after running out England's Jacob Bethell in the T20 World Cup semi-final was driven by the presence of his son and girlfriend in the crowd. He wanted them to experience the emotional high of the crucial wicket. Pandya also delivered a tight bowling performance, conceding only 9 runs and taking a wicket in the pressure-filled 18th over. His all-round efforts earned him the impact player award as India advanced to the final against New Zealand.

Key Points: Hardik Pandya Reveals Reason Behind Energetic T20 WC Celebration

  • Celebration for son in stands
  • Crucial run-out of Bethell
  • Named match's impact player
  • Pivotal bowling in 18th over
2 min read

T20 WC: 'Wanted my son to feel how emotional I was,' says Hardik on energetic celebration after Bethell's wicket

Hardik Pandya explains his animated celebration after dismissing Jacob Bethell was for his son Agastya and girlfriend Mahieka Sharma to feel his emotion.

"I wanted my son and Mahieka to enjoy this moment and feel how emotional I was. - Hardik Pandya"

New Delhi, March 7

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has revealed the reason behind his energetic celebration after dismissing Jacob Bethell in the second semi-final match of the T20 World Cup 2026 played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.

Hardik's fast throw at the striker's end in the final over of England's chase helped end Bethel's magnificent innings of 102 runs. The reaction from the 32-year-old after dismissing Bethell was telling as he was very animated in his celebration, pumping up the entire side. Hardik revealed that it was because his son Agastya and girlfriend Mahieka Sharma were present in the stands, and he wanted them to feel his emotions after the crucial wicket.

"One batter I had to get out from the field was Bethell, the way he was batting. I knew I had to keep calm and throw it where it was supposed to be. I would have liked it a little closer to the stumps, but nevertheless, we got the job done," Hardik said in a video released by BCCI on X.

"The reaction was also because my son came, and I wanted my son and Mahieka to enjoy this moment and feel how emotional I was," he added.

Before the brilliant fielding effort, Hardik showed his class in the bowling when he gave away just 9 runs in the 18th over and also took the wicket of Sam Curran, who was looking to hit hard and clear the boundary, before getting caught at mid-wicket.

Hardik revealed that before the over, he entered Zen mode and, despite his heart racing from the pressure, remained calm and focused.

"There are two ways in life. I could have got my heart racing and not been able to execute, so I went into my Zen mode. It's quite amazing that instead of my heartbeat rushing, I stayed still. I'm really proud of that," Hardik said.

Due to his efforts, Hardik was named the impact player of the match in the dressing room after the match.

Hardik will play a crucial role when India faces New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
That "Zen mode" comment is so insightful. The mental game is half the battle in high-pressure sports. His ability to stay calm under that immense pressure in the 18th over was the real turning point. Brilliant all-round performance.
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Vikram M
While the emotion is understandable, I hope the focus remains entirely on the final. Celebrations are fine, but the job isn't done yet. New Zealand in the final is a massive challenge. The entire team needs to be in that "Zen mode" for one more match.
A
Ananya R
Hardik has really matured as a player. From being a explosive finisher to now being the crisis man with both bat and ball, and that fielding! That run-out was pure instinct and skill. He's the perfect impact player for the big stage.
K
Karthik V
Wankhede was absolutely electric that night! You could feel the energy through the TV. When Hardik took that wicket and celebrated, the whole stadium erupted. Can't wait for the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. It's going to be next level!
M
Michael C
Bethell played an incredible innings of 102. Sometimes you have to acknowledge the opponent's skill even in defeat. Hardik's moment was crucial, but that was a world-class knock from the young English batter under pressure too.

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