It has been a topsy-turvy ride for Hardik Pandya in the world of cricket over the last couple of years. Once the poster boy of the future of Indian cricket and hailed as a genuine superstar, frequent back injuries, fitness struggles and mediocre returns on the pitch had sidelined him from mainstream discussions as well as the Indian national team.
The back surgery which the Baroda all-rounder had before the pandemic had hampered his ability to bowl consistently and bowl his full quota of overs in white-ball cricket. This cast a big question mark over his inclusion in the Indian team as selectors and experts thought it hampered the balance of the XI.
Things went from bad to worse when Pandya was selected in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup in UAE in 2021, and had underwhelming performances with the bat. To add to that, he didn’t bowl a single over in the first few matches against Pakistan and New Zealand and by that point, the Men in Blue had already been knocked out of the competition after the first round.
As a result, he was dropped from the team immediately and the selectors, instead, turned their focus towards grooming Venkatesh Iyer, fresh off the back of success with KKR in IPL 2021. Between November 2021 and March 2022, Pandya spent his time away from the limelight and even worked with the NCA to facilitate proper rehabilitation.
When the sport gave him another opportunity, with new IPL entrants Gujarat Titans making him their captain for the debut season, the 28-year-old grabbed the opportunities with both hands and did not let go.
He scored 487 runs at an average close to 45 and also picked up eight wickets with an economy rate of 7.28. For his three important wickets as well as 34 runs in the final against Rajasthan Royals, Pandya also won the Man of the Match award as his side Gujarat Titans became the first team since RR to win the IPL on their first appearance.
Having lifted the trophy, Pandya mentioned that he has eyes on a bigger prize going forward and he wants to win the World Cup win India, with the T20 World Cup being held in Australia this year.
“It’s absolutely to win the World Cup for India, no matter what happens. I’m going to give everything what I have. I have always been that kind of a guy to put the team first. So for me, the goal will be simple to make sure that my team gets it most. And playing for India has always been kind of a dream come true, no matter how many games I have played,” said Pandya at the post-match press conference.
