[In Pictures] Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya poses with T20 World Cup 2024 trophy

Team India star all-rounder Hardik Pandya posed with the coveted T20 World Cup 2024 trophy in Barbados, as the BCCI's official social media handle shared the pictures. The 30-year-old was all smiles while wearing a white t-shirt with the logo of Dream11 embedded on it.

The Baroda-born cricketer was one of the chief architects behind India's second T20 World Cup victory, playing a significant role in the final against South Africa in Barbados on June 29. With the Proteas needing 16 runs off the final over in the decider, Pandya defended it successfully by picking up the key wicket of David Miller on the first ball.

He also played a handful of useful cameos with the bat, finishing the tournament with 144 runs and 11 wickets. Pandya maintained a healthy strike rate of 151.57 with the bat. The BCCI's official handle on X posted the below caption while sharing the photos:

"Bright smiles in Barbados from the man who bowled the historic final over 😃👌 #TeamIndia Vice-Captain Hardik Pandya with the #T20WorldCup Trophy."

Due to a hurricane in Barbados, the newly crowned champions' arrival in India has been delayed. They are likely to land in New Delhi on Wednesday (July 3) at 7:45 pm.

"We've been working very hard but something was not working" - Hardik Pandya

South Africa v India: Final - ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024

Soon after the victory in the final, the seam-bowling all-rounder said it was a relief to finally fulfill the nation's wish and that he kept faith in himself despite the difficult last six months. He said, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo:

"It means a lot. It's very emotional. We've been working very hard but something was not clicking. But today was a day where we kind of fulfilled what the whole nation wanted. So many people supporting. And I think it is even more special for me, how my six months have been... I have been very graceful of not speaking a word. Things have been very unfair, but I believe that if I keep working hard then I'll be able to shine and do what I have always done. That sums everything up."

Team India also became the first to win the T20 World Cup trophy without losing a match in the competition.