Following India’s triumph at the ICC Champions Trophy, Hardik Pandya shared his excitement and future aspirations. Recalling the 2017 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan, where he was unfortunately run out while batting with Ravindra Jadeja, Pandya expressed his satisfaction in finally winning the title.
Pandya emphasized his primary goal is to secure more ICC championships for India, stating he desires to win five to six more trophies. He played a crucial role in India’s Champions Trophy victory, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
The tournament showcased impressive performances from emerging and established players including Shubman Gill, who scored a century and accumulated 188 runs, Shreyas Iyer with 243 runs including two half-centuries, Axar Patel who contributed with both bat and ball, KL Rahul with a remarkable average of 140.00, and Varun Chakravarthy who took nine wickets. Their collective efforts were instrumental in India’s second consecutive white-ball title.
Reflecting on his journey, Pandya stated, “In 2017, I felt my task was incomplete. I am incredibly happy to have finally won the Champions Trophy. It feels great to be a champion. For me, it’s always been about winning as many championships as possible. As I said after our win in 2024, I’m not done yet. I still want five to six more trophies. I am thrilled to add another one to the list.”
In a video released by BCCI, Pandya further elaborated on his team-first mentality. He stressed that his priority is always contributing to the team’s victory, regardless of his personal performance. “The most important thing in my cricketing journey is ensuring my team wins. It gives me immense satisfaction and peace every time I step onto the field. Even if I don’t perform personally, if my team wins, that’s the most beautiful feeling for me,” he added.
Pandya lauded his teammates for their exceptional talent and collective spirit displayed throughout the tournament. He appreciated the team’s unity and determination in crucial moments. “Everyone demonstrated their class at the right moments, showcasing their belief, which was exceptional. I love matches like these where everyone gives their all. The Champions Trophy is done, and my next aim is the ICC T20 World Cup in India – to lift that cup,” he concluded.
Pandya attributed the team’s victory against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final to their strong self-belief and combined skills, highlighting it as a true team effort.
