Hardik Pandya interview: India vice-captain on winning T20 World Cup, Rohit-Virat retirement and more

India vice-captain Hardik Pandya said he was confident of an opportunity to shine after a tough few months leading into the T20 World Cup, where he played a vital role in the team’s title win.

Pandya hit 144 runs and took 11 wickets in the showpiece, including a three for 20 in the final to guide India to a thrilling seven-run win over South Africa.

"It's very emotional, something was not clicking, but this was something the whole nation wanted,” Pandya told the broadcaster after the match.

“Especially for me, after my six months, I haven't spoken a word, things have been unfair, but I knew there'd be a time I could shine.

"An opportunity like this makes it all the more special,” said Pandya, who was on the receiving end of the crowd's ire during the last IPL after replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians’ captain.

“We always believed, stayed calm, let the pressure come to them. Last over, I knew I had to execute my plans. I have been in this situation, I enjoy the pressure situation,” he added.

Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who took 15 wickets, said remaining clear and calm throughout the tournament worked for him.

"I tried to keep calm. We play the sport for this, I am really over the moon, my son is here, family is here, we've been working really hard towards this, no better feeling than that,” he said.