Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has emerged as the most searched cricketer on Google in 2024, according to the recently released Google Year in Search report. This surge in interest can be attributed to a series of high-profile events and performances that have kept him in the spotlight throughout the year.
Reasons behind Hardik Pandya’s popularity
1.) Controversial captaincy move: One of the key factors contributing to Pandya’s prominence in searches is his shocking return to the Mumbai Indians (MI) as captain ahead of the IPL 2024 season. After leading the Gujarat Titans (GT) to victory in IPL 2022 and reaching the finals in 2023, his move back to MI raised eyebrows, particularly as it involved replacing Rohit Sharma, a beloved figure among fans. This transition sparked intense discussions and debates on social media, with many expressing their opinions on his leadership abilities.
2.) Disappointing IPL season: Despite the excitement surrounding his captaincy, MI had a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, finishing at the bottom of the points table. Pandya’s struggles as captain led to increased scrutiny and criticism, further fueling public interest in his performance and decisions.
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3.) T20 World Cup triumph: The narrative took a positive turn for Hardik when he played a crucial role in India’s success at the T20 World Cup 2024 held in the West Indies and the USA. His standout performance in the final against South Africa, where he took 3 wickets for just 20 runs, helped India secure their first ICC trophy in over a decade. His ability to defend nine runs in the final over solidified his status as one of India’s premier cricketers and contributed significantly to his search popularity.
4.) Social media buzz: Throughout the year, Hardik has been a frequent topic of conversation on various platforms due to both his on-field performances and off-field activities. His divorce with Serbian actress Natasa Stankovic, link-up rumours with British model Jasmin Walia and involvement in promotional activities have kept him relevant beyond cricket.
5.) Overall sports Trends: Cricket dominated search trends in India this year, with no Indian sports team making it into the top 10 most searched teams globally. The IPL and T20 World Cup were among the top trending sporting events, contributing to heightened interest in players like Hardik.