India went back-to-back at the T20 World Cups, with Hardik Pandya playing a vital role in both tournament wins. However, the all-rounder, 32, is nowhere close to being done, setting his sights on upcoming tournaments. As Suryakumar Yadav's Indian team defeated New Zealand by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday to win the T20 World Cup for the third time, they became the first team to win the tournament on home soil and also successfully defend the title.
Although he couldn’t quite get going in the final, Hardik made valuable contributions with both bat and ball throughout the tournament. Speaking to the host broadcaster after India's triumph in Ahmedabad, Hardik said he hopes to keep playing for another 10 years and bring more silverware to the Indian team.
Hardik added that he now realises he is among the senior players in the side and wants to share his experience with the youngsters, helping them ensure the winning juggernaut continues.
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“It sounds very good that I am a senior player now. But I have 10 more years of cricket in me. I have played only half of my career so far; half is left. I would like to win 10 more trophies in total, including ICC and IPL. But ICC trophies are the most important for me,” Hardik said.
{{/usCountry}}“It sounds very good that I am a senior player now. But I have 10 more years of cricket in me. I have played only half of my career so far; half is left. I would like to win 10 more trophies in total, including ICC and IPL. But ICC trophies are the most important for me,” Hardik said.
{{/usCountry}}"I would want to win anything that I play. In the next 10 years, I would definitely win five or six more. Losing was never in my mind. I would like to thank God," he added.
Role of Maheika Sharma
Hardik also credited his girlfriend, Maheika Sharma, saying that ever since she came into his life, victories seem to keep coming. He added that he is on top of the world after winning the T20 World Cup for the second consecutive time.
“This is the victory I have always lived for. This is why I have played cricket. I want to win trophies. I want to win as many trophies as I can. In 2024, I had said that whatever trophies I play for, I will win. And I believe that. This trophy is a validation of that,” said Hardik.
“There is a lot of hard work. There is not only talk, but there is a lot of hard work. Work hard, stay silent, be a good person. Since Maheika has come into my life, I have only been winning,” he added.
Hardik, India's premier all-rounder, mentioned that if people continue to work hard, stay humble, and be good to others, they can achieve anything. In the T20 World Cup 2026, Hardik scored two half-centuries – against Namibia and Zimbabwe – and picked up nine wickets.