[Watch] Rohit Sharma kisses Hardik Pandya after India win 2024 T20 World Cup, video goes viral

Team India captain Rohit Sharma showed his affection towards vice-captain Hardik Pandya by kissing him after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup on Saturday, June 29. It was a hard-fought win, as South Africa gave them a massive scare in the chase by getting the required run rate below six runs per over at one juncture.

It was Pandya who provided the much-needed breakthrough at that moment by dismissing a rampant Heinrich Klaasen. The wicket-keeper batter looked in imperious form, scoring 52(27) before Pandya outfoxed him with a brilliant slower delivery. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh also stepped up with economical overs afterward to leave 16 runs for Pandya to defend in the last over.

South Africa were still alive in the contest as they had big-hitting finisher David Miller at the crease. Hardik Pandya once again rose to the occasion and dismissed Miller on the first ball of the last over to put India on the brink of a memorable win. He completed the formalities against the South African tailenders over the next five balls to see India home successfully.

Hardik's sensational performance under immense pressure did not go unnoticed. While he was speaking to broadcasters after the match, Rohit Sharma briefly interrupted and kissed Pandya on his cheek to express happiness over the all-rounder's stellar bowling show. It was a special moment for all the fans, considering everything that happened between the duo during IPL 2024 regarding the Mumbai Indians captaincy.

You can watch the moment in the video below:

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"We always believed, stayed calm, let the pressure come to them"- Hardik Pandya after India's win vs South Africa in 2024 World Cup final

Speaking to the broadcasters after the conclusion of the final, Hardik Pandya said it was an emotional moment for him and his teammates. Reflecting on the victory, he said (via The Times of India):

"It's very emotional, something was not clicking, but this was something the whole nation wanted. Special for me after my six months, I haven't spoken a word, things have been unfair, but I knew there'd be a time I could shine. An opportunity like this makes it all the more special."

He added:

"We always believed, stayed calm, let the pressure come to them. Last over, I knew I had to execute my plans. All of a sudden my run-up speed increases. I have been in this situation, I enjoy the pressure situation."