Just few days left for 2024 to come to an end and in the last 12 months, many athletes from all around the world made their presence felt in their respective fields, which prompted the netizens to go on a searching spree about them on google.

When it comes to India, cricket is a religion and shockingly, the most popular Indian cricketers- Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, when it comes to internet presence didn't make it to the Top 10 list and instead Mumbai Indians' star all-rounder Hardik Pandya finds a place.

Pandya Achieves New High

Mumbai Indians' captain, Hardik Pandya's inclusion is actually a no-brainer as from March to June, the 31-year-old was going through the most turbulent phase of his career. From getting booed as MI captain and then redeeming himself by helping the Men in Blue clinch the T20 World Cup 2024 in June, he actually had a year to remember.

So the fans had reason to search him over and over again on google. His search volume has taken him to 7th position in the list, beating the likes of American golfer, Scottie Scheffler, Punjab Kings star Shashank Singh, who was a surprise inclusion and also Ballon d'Or 2024-winning footballer Rodri.

From Zero To Hero

When Hardik Pandya was traded from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024, no one really thought that he would go onto captain the side, replacing their most successful captain Rohit Sharma. The fans didn't take it in good sport and the all-rounder was heavily booed right from the first match and whenever he failed to make a mark.

The pressure obviously got the better of him and as a result, MI hit rock bottom and finished last at 10th place. At the same time, he was also dealing with a divorce with wife Natasa Stankovic, which came into light later on.

The pressure was at it's peak during the T20 World Cup 2024, but he delivered at the biggest stage of T20 cricket, specially in the final and his tears of joy after winning the summit clash actually showed, what it means to him on a personal basis.

IPL 2025

Pandya will once again be captaining the 5-time champions in the cash-rich league and ahead of the Mega Auction, which took place in November, he was retained for INR 16.35 crore.