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 for Hardik Pandya's popularity

1.) Controversial captain's move: One of the key factors contributing to Pandya's prominence in 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 IPL 2022 and reaching the final in 2023, his return to MI raised eyebrows, especially since it involved a replacement Rohit Sharmafavorite figure among fans. This transition sparked intense discussion and debate on social media, with many expressing their opinions on his leadership abilities.

2.) A disappointing IPL season: Despite the hype surrounding their captaincy, MI had a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, finishing at the bottom of the points table. Pandya's struggles as a captain led to increased scrutiny and criticism, further fueling public interest in his performance and decisions.

Also READ: Hardik Pandya explains why Mumbai Indians will miss Ishan Kishan in IPL 2025.

3.) T20 World Cup triumph: The narrative took a positive turn for Hardik when he played a key role in India's success at T20 World Cup 2024 held in the West Indies and the USA. His outstanding 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 cemented his status as one of India's premier cricketers and added significantly to his pursuit popularity.

4.) Social media rush: Throughout the year, Hardik has been a frequent topic of conversation on various platforms both for his on-field and off-field performances. Divorce with Serbian actress Nataša Stanković, rumors of a relationship with British model Jasmin Walia and involvement in promotional activities have kept him relevant outside of cricket.

5.) Overall sports trends: Cricket dominated search trends in India this year, with no Indian sports team making it to the top 10 most searched teams in the world. The IPL and T20 World Cup were among the most popular sporting events, adding to the increased interest in players like Hardik.

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