Hardik Pandya drew the attention of camerapersons at the Kensington Oval in Barbados ahead of the highly anticipated T20 World Cup final. The Indian all-rounder abandoned his bearded look, opting instead for a slim moustache with a chin patch.
As he strolled into the iconic stadium, Hardik appeared calm and collected. India, former champions, are set to face first-time finalists South Africa in this much-anticipated match.
Ready. Steady. Finals! 🇮🇳💙#TeamIndia players have arrived at Kensington Oval, looking all geared up & determined to end their 11-year-old trophy drought! 💪
The #Final awaits 👉 #INDvSA | LIVE NOW | #T20WorldCupOnStar pic.twitter.com/xs3xmplOtQ
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Hardik Pandya With New Look Ahead Of T20 World Cup Final
Choosing the grand final to debut his new look, Hardik, the Mumbai Indians captain, wore black sunglasses on a bright morning in Barbados, as the rain had cleared to reveal sunny skies. He was also seen wearing an earring in his left ear while entering the venue in India’s training kit.
Fans on social media were quick to praise Hardik Pandya’s new look for the big final. Up until the semi-final, Hardik sported a thick beard similar to many of his teammates. While most Indian players retained their bearded look for the final, Hardik opted for a trim.
Some fans compared Hardik’s new appearance to Shreyas Iyer’s look, as the Kolkata Knight Riders captain had a similar style throughout the IPL 2024 season. Another fan likened Hardik’s look to Kapil Dev’s iconic style from the 1983 World Cup final.
Hardik Pandya has been a crucial performer for India in the T20 World Cup. He made significant contributions with the ball during the United States leg of the tournament (in the group stage) and provided vital runs in the Super 8 stage. In the semi-final against England, Hardik’s quick 23 runs off 13 balls, including two sixes, helped India reach a total of 171.
Also Read: IND vs SA: Rohit Sharma Wins Toss, Goes With Same Starting XI In Final Showdown
