Aurangabad: As India celebrated its T20 World Cup triumph over New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, pride and joy echoed far beyond the stadium. In a small village in Bihar’s Aurangabad district, Ishan Kishan’s grandfather Ramanuagrah Pandey watched the match late into the night, cheering every moment of his grandson’s performance.
Speaking about the victory and Ishan’s future, Pandey shared an emotional and light-hearted conversation he had with the young cricketer about marriage and family.
“I once told my grandson that I want to stay alive until his wedding,” Pandey said with a smile. “Ishan replied that his wedding could happen as early as next year, but I should stay until he has a child so that I can hold the baby in my arms.”
Pride in World Cup Performance
Pandey, who lives in Gordeeha village in Daudnagar block of Aurangabad, said he felt immense pride watching his grandson perform on the biggest stage. In the final against New Zealand, Ishan Kishan scored a brisk 54 runs and also took three difficult catches in the field.
“I congratulate my grandson and the entire Indian team,” he said. “I started watching the final match on Sunday evening and remained glued to the television. When New Zealand lost their last wicket late at night and India’s victory was confirmed, I was extremely happy.”
Pandey said he watched the entire post-match ceremony as well. “From the prize ceremony to the moment the trophy was handed over to Suryakumar Yadav and the celebrations that followed, I sat in front of the TV and watched everything,” he added.
Girlfriend Aditi Hundia Seen Celebrating with Ishan
During the celebrations, Ishan’s girlfriend Aditi Hundia was also present at the stadium and was seen congratulating him after the match. Pandey said he noticed her during the broadcast.
“I saw Aditi meeting Ishan after the match,” he said. “She often goes to watch his matches. Whoever Ishan wants to marry, we will accept wholeheartedly.”
Aditi, a model by profession, has built a strong presence in the fashion world. She was the winner of Miss Diva 2018 and has also been a finalist in Femina Miss India. Her father is a ghee trader based in Jaipur.
Speculation about Ishan Kishan and Aditi’s relationship first began during the 2019 IPL season, when she was frequently spotted in the stands supporting him and was widely discussed on social media as a “mystery fangirl”.
‘Wedding Will Happen When They Decide’
When asked about the couple’s wedding plans, Pandey said no date has been fixed yet.
“The wedding will happen whenever they decide,” he said. “Before the final match against New Zealand, Ishan had called me. I gave him my blessings and wished him victory.”
Pride in Playing for India
Pandey said that although he enjoys watching Ishan play in the Indian Premier League, representing India gives him a different level of happiness.
“The IPL is starting later this month, but when he plays in the IPL, I don’t feel as happy as when he plays for the Indian team,” he said. “In the IPL, he plays for a franchise with many foreign players. But when he represents India, it fills me with pride.”
Domestic Cricket Helped Ishan Regain Form
Pandey also credited a crucial phase in domestic cricket for helping Ishan regain form. He recalled that when Rahul Dravid was the head coach of the Indian team and Ishan was struggling with form, he was advised to play domestic cricket.
“After that, Ishan played for Jharkhand and helped the team win the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy,” Pandey said. “Once his form improved, he was selected again for the Indian team, and he proved himself.”
Ishan had earlier played a strong innings against Pakistan in the tournament and followed it up with an explosive knock in the final. Senior players have also acknowledged his significant contribution to India’s T20 World Cup victory.
Pandey said such moments make the entire family proud. “When a grandson plays for the country and helps India win a World Cup, there is no bigger happiness for a grandfather,” he said.
