Hardik Pandya Recalls Smiling Reaction to Getting Bowled Out in Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final

India's sensational win against Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals was an enthralling piece of cricket suspense. India created history by going after the record highest against Australia in an ICC ODI event while chasing 265 runs for the victory. The match was full of big performances from prime players such as Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya, who played pivotal roles in India reaching the final phase.

Though Kohli's incredible 84 and Iyer's calm 45 laid the platform for the chase, the onus of finishing the game rested on KL Rahul's and Hardik Pandya's shoulders. The latter displayed his signature aggressive batting, crushing three humongous sixes and adding a game-winning innings which took India to the threshold of victory. But in a turn of unexpected events, Pandya was given his marching orders when India still needed six runs. But en route to the pavilion, the all-rounder was grinning from ear to ear, leaving observers and teammates guessing why.

Pandya's Jovial Response to His Removal

In the post-match video posted by the Indian cricket team on social media, Hardik Pandya and fellow all-rounder Axar Patel were heard conversing in a cheerful mood. Pandya explained his calm state of mind despite getting out at a crucial juncture in a light-hearted manner.

"I was laughing because I didn't even consider taking two sixes from that particular delivery. I had the feeling it would come at any time, and I knew the outcome of the game would not be affected. But at the same time, I also knew that my wicket would have created some pressure inside the dressing room, and that made me laugh from within," Pandya explained.

His composed and friendly demeanor is a reason for his confidence in the team's ability to complete the game and in KL Rahul, who held firm at the crease. Pandya's 28 from 24 balls cameo with a four and three sixes immensely strengthened India's hold in the high-stakes chase.

Tense Dressing Room Atmosphere

Though Pandya enjoyed what happened, the mood in the Indian dressing room was highly charged. Axar Patel, who also featured in the same video, revealed details of what went down when the team responded to the drama on the field.

"Weren't you aware of what was going on in the dressing room? Everybody was nervous and telling each other, 'Hey, play singles and doubles and change the strike instead of searching for huge shots!'" Axar reminisced with a grin.

To this, Pandya responded confidently, "Yes, I did know. I had total belief in all of you, and I was just watching the mood around me."

Axar's remarks gave a peek into the rollercoaster of emotions that players and support staff went through with the match in its fag end. While the target still lingered near, the moment's passion maintained the adrenaline pumping.

KL Rahul's Steady Hand Seals the Win

While Pandya's non-availability might have had the alarm bells ringing in the ears for a brief while, KL Rahul saw that there were no last-minute glitches. His calm innings of 42* off 34 balls was instrumental in guiding India towards a victory. Being his usual cool, he soaked up the pressure and saw through the last couple of steps needed to guide India across the line, consolidating his image as a reliable finisher under pressure.

India Targets Third Champions Trophy Title

With this incredible win, India is now determined to set its eyes on the ultimate prize—winning the Champions Trophy for a record third time. The final on Sunday, March 9 will witness India facing New Zealand in a battle of skill and temperament.

The Indian team will come into the final with full confidence, having performed well throughout the tournament. The team's balance both with bat and ball and the veteran campaigner likes of Kohli, Rahul, and Pandya make them firm favorites to lift the trophy.

While the cricketing community awaits with bated breath the thrilling finale, it is certain one thing—India's journey till the final has been nothing less than electrifying, with doses of brilliance, pressure, and light-hearted amusement, as proved in the example of Hardik Pandya's smiling reaction during tension. Everyone now waits expectantly for the final battle when India will attempt to etch their name again in history books.