5 Reasons Why Hardik Pandya Is The Most Searched Cricketer On Google In 2024
All-terrain Indians Hardik Pandya has become 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 it in the spotlight throughout the year.
Reasons behind Hardik Pandya’s popularity
1.) Controversial captaincy movement: One of the key factors contributing to Pandya’s prominence in the searches is his shock return to Mumbai Indians (MI) as captain ahead of the IPL 2024 season. After leading Gujarat Titans (GT) to victory in the ‘IPL 2022 and reach the final in 2023, his return to MI came as a surprise, especially as it involved substitution. Rohit Sharmaa beloved figure among the followers. This transition sparked intense discussion and debate on social media, with many voicing 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 in 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 clinch their first ICC trophy in over a decade. His ability to defend nine runs in the final cemented his status as one of India’s leading 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 rumors with British model Jasmin Walia and involvement in promotional activities have kept him relevant beyond cricket.
5.) General sports trends: Cricket dominated the search trends in India this year, with no Indian sports team making it into the top 10 most searched teams globally. The IPL and the T20 World Cup were among the trending sporting events, which helped boost interest in players like Hardik.
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