And out flowed the tears. Through injuries, through testing times, through a rough patch, Hardik Pandya fought, and fought with a smile all along. But when the job was done, once the trophy was won, once the target was defended, the floodgates burst. THE WORLD CUP WAS COMING HOME!

“It means a lot. Very emotional, we’ve been working very hard and something was not clicking. But today we got what the whole nation wanted. More special for me, how my last six months were, I haven’t spoken a word,” Hardik told Star Sports at the end of the match.

With 30 runs needed off 30 balls, skipper Rohit Sharma turned to him. Heinrich Klaasen, batting on 52 off just 26 balls and having put the game firmly in South Africa’s kitty, was threatening to finish it off quickly. HP went for the gamble, pushing it slow, wide, and well outside off. Klaasen swung, but was foxed, and only found a thin outside-edge.

“I knew that if I kept working hard I could shine and do what I could do. Getting an opportunity like this makes it more special. We always believed, it was just about executing our plans and staying calm and letting the pressure come to them. Credit to Jassi (Bumrah) and the other bowlers for those last 5 overs. Knew it would not help me if I wasn’t calm, wanted to commit 100% to every ball I’ve bowled. I’ve always enjoyed pressure,” he said in a very emotional chat.

The 11-year-long ICC trophy wait was finally over after multiple almost-theres and heatbreaks. And it ended with Rohit Sharma walking over and planting a kiss on his cheek. This one was for India.