Was Hardik Pandya's Mindset Focused on a Strong Comeback?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hardik Pandya demonstrated resilience in his comeback.
- His performance was crucial in India’s victory.
- Support from loved ones played a significant role.
- Self-belief is vital for overcoming challenges.
- Hardik aims for continuous growth in his career.
New Delhi, Dec 10 (NationPress) After being awarded Player of the Match in the initial T20I against South Africa on Tuesday, all-rounder Hardik Pandya has set his ambitions even higher. Fully embracing his return, he intends to savor each moment moving forward.
Any concerns regarding his fitness were alleviated when he showcased his prowess in his first match post the Asia Cup 2025 injury. He delivered a remarkable all-around display, taking 1-16 with the ball and scoring an unbeaten 59 runs, contributing to India’s 101-run triumph over South Africa in Cuttack, granting them a 1-0 series lead.
“You should be a rockstar, come perform for 10 minutes, and the crowd goes berserk. That has been the biggest motivation for me. Life has always thrown a lot of lemons at me, and I always thought that I would make lemonade. I’ve always believed that if I don’t believe in myself, how will others believe me? My mindset was really about coming back stronger, bigger and better,” Hardik expressed in a video shared by the BCCI.
“Every time I step up, I feel like the crowd has been waiting for this moment. They’ve come to see me bat. Because I have stood strong, I have done a lot of things with grace. That has helped me become even more confident, back myself, and truly trust my skill set. I really believe in myself as a player. Injuries test you mentally as well, and at the same time, it puts you in a lot of doubt,” he continued.
Hardik also acknowledged his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, for infusing positivity into his life, confidently stating that his current goal is to chase larger ambitions and excel in every opportunity he encounters.
“A lot of credit goes to my loved ones. Special mention to my partner as well. She’s been nothing but the best to me since she entered my life. A lot of great things have happened since she’s arrived,” he mentioned.
“I’ve always been a very honest and real person in life, which has helped me significantly. I don’t sugarcoat my experiences. It’s never about the other person, nor about how others think or perceive. It’s always about how I feel inside. Now it’s a time where Hardik Pandya just wants to play the sport and relish every second on the ground. And yes, bigger and better will be my motto,” he concluded.