The India and Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 conflict at Dubai Worldwide Stadium was a spectacle of uncooked adrenaline, nail-biting moments, and cricketing brilliance. Whereas Virat Kohli’s masterful batting and Indian bowler’s deadly efficiency stored followers on the sting of their seats, it was an off-field accent that sparked a viral frenzy. Hardik Pandya, India’s swashbuckling all-rounder, not solely delivered a match-winning efficiency but additionally turned heads with a wristwatch value a staggering ₹7 crore ($800,000). The Richard Mille RM 27-02 CA FQ Tourbillon on his wrist grew to become the sudden protagonist of the high-octane encounter, mixing cricket’s grit with unapologetic luxurious.
The timepiece that outshone the trophy
As Pandya roared in celebration after dismissing Pakistan captain Babar Azam, cameras zoomed in on his fiery manner—after which lingered on his wrist. Social media erupted, not over the wicket, however over the shimmering, skeletonized dial of his Richard Mille watch. Dubbed the “RM 27-02 Rafael Nadal,” this limited-edition marvel is one among solely 50 ever crafted. Its presence on Pandya’s wrist throughout a high-pressure match underscored a daring assertion: cricket isn’t nearly runs and wickets; it’s additionally a runway for character.
Additionally READ: WATCH: Hardik Pandya offers Babar Azam a cheeky ‘bye-bye’ send-off in Champions Trophy 2025
Engineering marvel on the wrist: Constructed for the intense
The RM 27-02 isn’t only a watch; it’s a feat of engineering. Designed in collaboration with tennis legend Rafael Nadal, the timepiece is tailor-made for athletes who push limits. Its Carbon TPT unibody baseplate—impressed by racing automotive chassis—ensures unmatched sturdiness and shock resistance, crucial for a sport like cricket the place split-second actions reign. Weighing simply 30 grams, the watch can stand up to forces as much as 10,000 Gs, making it an ideal companion for Pandya’s explosive dives and highly effective swings.
The skeletonized dial presents a mesmerizing view of its intricate tourbillon motion, a mechanism designed to counter gravity’s results on precision. For Pandya, whose recreation thrives on precision, the symbolism was plain.
Hardik Pandya’s fusion of sport and elegance
Pandya’s bling-heavy persona challenges cricket’s historically understated tradition. Not like legends like Rahul Dravid or Anil Kumble, who embodied humility, Pandya represents a brand new era of athletes unafraid to merge sport with stardom. His watches, automobiles, and designer outfits aren’t mere equipment—they’re markers of a model that transcends the sport.
As debates rage about “model vs. substance,” Pandya’s reply is obvious: why select? His distinctive bowling efficiency and two essential wickets within the match proved his mettle, whereas the RM 27-02 showcased his mindset. Pandya within the conflict picked up the prized scalps of Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, showcasing his skill to thrive below stress and leading to India’s victory in opposition to Pakistan by 6 wickets within the high-pressure encounter of ICC Champions Trophy 2025.