India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya recently shared the motivation behind his spirited celebration after dismissing Jacob Bethell in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Pandya’s swift throw in the final over of England’s chase ended Bethell’s impressive 102-run innings, sparking an animated reaction from the player who aimed to uplift his team. He disclosed that his son Agastya and girlfriend Mahieka Sharma’s presence in the stands inspired his emotional outburst post the crucial wicket.
In a video released by BCCI, Pandya expressed, “One batter I had to get out from the field was Bethell, the way he was batting. I knew I had to keep calm and throw it where it was supposed to be. I would have liked it a little closer to the stumps, but nevertheless, we got the job done.” He further added, “The reaction was also because my son came, and I wanted my son and Mahieka to enjoy this moment and feel how emotional I was.”
Prior to his remarkable fielding performance, Pandya showcased his skill in bowling by conceding only 9 runs in the 18th over and dismissing Sam Curran. He shared that he maintained a Zen-like composure despite the pressure, ensuring a focused and calm approach during the crucial moments. Pandya expressed, “There are two ways in life. I could have got my heart racing and not been able to execute, so I went into my Zen mode. It’s quite amazing that instead of my heartbeat rushing, I stayed still. I’m really proud of that.”
Recognizing his contributions, Pandya was hailed as the impact player of the match in the dressing room post the game. His pivotal role will be crucial as India prepares to face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
