Pandya reveals why he 'laughed' during high-pressure chase versus Australia
What's the story
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya recently revealed he found humor amid tension during India's high-pressure chase against Australia in the 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal.
Speaking to Axar Patel in a video released by BCCI, he narrated his experience of walking onto the field after Virat Kohli's wicket.
Despite struggling to settle into his innings initially, Pandya scored 28 runs off 24 balls with two crucial sixes.
Here's more.
Inside joke
Pandya's humor amidst tension
Pandya's entry into the game came after Kohli had laid a solid foundation with his 84-run knock.
The all-rounder admitted he wasn't too worried about hitting two sixes, but knew it would happen eventually.
"I was smiling. I mean, I didn't think of hitting two sixes. I knew it would happen anytime," Pandya said during his conversation with Axar.
He further added, "But I knew that people must have gotten a little tense in the dressing room."
Trust and relief
Axar Patel's trust and Rahul's relief
Axar, who was also in the chase, revealed the dressing room atmosphere during Pandya's innings.
He said everyone was urging to rotate the strike but he had faith in Pandya.
"I had trust in you," Axar said.
KL Rahul, who scored an unbeaten 42 and hit the winning runs, credited Pandya's contribution saying, "Hardik came and hit those crucial sixes. It took a lot of pressure off me."
Final showdown
India's victory and upcoming final
India booked a place in the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 with a four-wicket win over Australia.
Pandya's explosive batting was instrumental in the win, swinging the game in India's favor.
The Men in Blue will now take on New Zealand in the final on March 09, making for an exciting clash for cricket lovers across the globe.
Match recap
India beat Australia to reach third successive final
As mentioned, India beat Australia in Dubai to reach the 2025 Champions Trophy final.
They successfully chased down 265 after bowling Australia out.
Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar, and Pandya starred in India's run-chase.
Mohammed Shami earlier thwarted Australia with three wickets, with Steve Smith and Alex Carey smashing fifties.
India will face New Zealand in the final.
Stats
A look at Pandya's ODI numbers
With his crucial 28-run knock, the all-rounder has now raced to 1,886 runs at an average of 33.08.
He also boasts a strike rate of 111, alongside 11 fifties.
According to ESPNcricinfo, he now owns 186 runs across nine Champions Trophy innings at an average of 37.20.
His strike rate reads 114.18, alongside one fifty.