Hardik Pandya recalls heartbreaking story after winning 2025 Champions Trophy

India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya expressed his delight after India won the 2025 Champions Trophy title. The Men in Blue registered a four-wicket win against New Zealand in the summit clash at Dubai on Sunday.

Pandya recalled that he could not finish the job in the Champions Trophy 2017 final against Pakistan. Chasing a huge target of 339 runs, India was bundled out for 158. Pandya was the lone warrior for the team with the bat, scoring an attacking knock of 76 runs off 43 balls but an unfortunate run out ended his innings.

Hardik Pandya said via the ICC, “2017, the work was left. You know I could not finish the job back then. And I am very very glad that tonight is the night where I can say that you know what, I am a Champions Trophy winner as well. So, sounds good I think.”

“It’s very very satisfying, very very calming, very very happy moment for me that every time I step on the field. You know, somehow even if I don’t confirm that the team wins, I think that’s the most beautiful feeling which I have. Everyone came out there and you know showed their class at the same point of time, the belief which they have.”

Pandya scored a run-a-ball 18 in the summit clash against the Kiwis and added 38 runs with KL Rahul.

The all-rounder had also played a key role in taking India to glory in the 2024 T20 World Cup as he had got the big wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller. Pandya wants to win more championships at the top level.

“For me it has always been about winning as many championships as I can. I did say when we won in 2024 that this is not done, I still need 5-6 more trophies there. I am very happy that one more is added. The most important thing in my life and my cricketing journey has always been about how I can make sure that my team can win,” said Hardik.

Pandya will lead Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL.