Hardik Pandya lauds KL Rahul, says nobody hits the ball the way he hits after Champions Trophy triumph

India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya hailed KL Rahul after the Men in Blue registered a four-wicket win against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday. Rahul scored a crucial knock of 34 runs off 33 balls in the summit clash and added the finishing touches in the run-chase of 252.

Pandya and Rahul added a crucial alliance of 38 runs to take India close to the target. The Indian all-rounder scored a run-a-ball 18 in the run-chase.

Meanwhile, Rahul was able to show all the composure while batting at number six. The flamboyant batter had also scored 42 runs off 34 balls in the semifinal clash against Australia. Rahul scored a total of 140 runs in four innings at an average of 140 and a strike rate of 97.90 in the eight-team tournament.

Hardik Pandya said after the win, “Brilliant, calm, composed, took his chances at the right times. I think this is what KL Rahul is. KL Rahul has immense talent, I don’t think anyone can hit the ball the way he can. That was an exhibition of how he did today.”

Pandya recalled that they could not get the job done in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan but was delighted to get across the line on Sunday.

Pandya added, “It’s always amazing to win an ICC event, especially the Champions Trophy. I remember 2017 very closely to my heart. We couldn’t finish the job that time. Pleased with how we have played everyone throughout the tournament, and how everyone contributed.”

On the other hand, Shubman Gill shared his delight after India lifted the Champions Trophy. Gill said he was enjoying Rohit Sharma’s batting from the other end.

He added, “Felt amazing, for the most part, I was sitting back and enjoying Rohit bhai’s batting. We kept talking to each other and the partnership was very important for us. He told me it doesn’t matter how many balls you are behind, just keep looking at the scoreboard and you have to play till the end. Definitely very satisfying, we missed out on the last one that we played in 2023.”

Indian players will be seen playing in the IPL.