From incessant boos to frenzied adulation — star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has seen all of it within the last few months, throughout which his life underwent a “360 degree turnaround” and protecting him afloat within the turmoil was his willpower to “never leave the battlefield”.
As he gears up for his second IPL season as Mumbai Indians captain, Pandya can count on a markedly hotter reception on the Wankhede after enjoying essential roles in India’s T20 World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy triumphs.
The backlash he confronted in IPL 2024 was triggered by the crew’s resolution handy him the management position, changing Mumbai’s very personal Rohit Sharma, who led the franchise to 5 trophies.
“For me, it has always been about never leaving the battlefield. There have been phases in my career where my focus wasn’t necessarily on winning but on surviving and holding my ground,” Pandya informed ‘JioHotstar’ forward of the IPL beginning March 22.
“I realised that no matter what was happening around me, cricket would always be my greatest ally…I kept pushing through, and when all the hard work finally paid off, it was beyond anything I could have scripted.
“The six-month part the place we received the World Cup, after which the type of love and assist I acquired upon returning — it was a full 360-degree turnaround for me,” he added.
The 31-year-old said he never wavered from the belief that if he remained persistent, he would come out stronger.
“I did not know precisely when that may occur, however as they are saying, future had its plan, and in my case, all the things modified inside two and a half months,” he said.
Pandya played a pivotal role with the new ball along side Mohammed Shami in India’s victorious Champions Trophy campaign recently in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. He was also a part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in the Americas last year. The 2024 IPL season was challenging for him as MI finished at the bottom of the points table. But Pandya said MI have put together a well-balanced squad and is optimistic about the team’s chances this year.
“Having performed within the IPL for nearly 11 years now, every season brings new vitality and contemporary positivity. The 2024 season was undoubtedly difficult for us as a group, however it additionally offered invaluable classes,” Pandya said.
“We analysed these learnings and utilized them whereas constructing our crew for 2025. This time, we have now assembled an skilled squad — gamers who’ve performed a lot of cricket on the highest degree. That in itself is thrilling.
Pandya stated the facet has been focussed on constructing a robust bowling assault, contemplating that Wankhede is a “challenging venue”.
“Playing in the IPL in Mumbai, particularly at Wankhede, can be intimidating due to the high-scoring nature of the pitch. We wanted bowlers with experience, pace, and the ability to generate swing and bounce.
“I imagine we have now put collectively a well-balanced crew, one which meets all our necessities from high to backside. Now it is about turning up and delivering on the sphere.” To all the youngsters who would new to the glitzy league, Pandya has just one message.
“…imagine in your self…the largest problem at this stage is self-doubt. Sometimes, gamers begin questioning whether or not they belong at this degree, and that doubt can take away from their talent set. Managing that psychological facet is essential.
“In this game, there will be highs and lows. The key is to remain balanced, not just for one season but throughout their careers,” he stated.
Pandya stated all one wants is a little endurance to navigate the powerful occasions.
“In terms of skill set, they are far ahead of where we were at 21 or 22. Their talent and fearless approach are already there — it’s just about reinforcing their belief in themselves.”
MI will open their IPL marketing campaign in opposition to Chennai Super Kings in Chennai on March 23.
Published – March 17, 2025 02:09 pm IST
