Indian star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is one of the most loved and popular cricketers in the world right now. All thanks to his multi-dimensional performances, Pandya has cemented his spot in the Indian squad. He is also a part of the 15-member squad for India in the T20 World Cup 2021.
Apart from his, cricketing skills, the star cricketer is known for his lavish lifestyle. He is one of the highest paid athletes in the country, however, the road to success wasn’t an easy one. He had to work hard to be able to afford such a lifestyle. Growing up, he would walk miles to save some money and now from traveling via luxury cars to private jets, Hardik Pandya is living his life king size. His journey from rags to riches is no less than inspiration.
It was in 2-15 when Hardik Pandya got associated with Mumbai Indians at a meagre base price of Rs. 10 lakhs only by the five-time IPL champions in his debut IPL season. In that moment his life changed forever and since then there has been no turning back for the cricketer. Currently he earns a salary of INR 110 million per season with the franchise.
Recently, in an interview, with ESPNcricinfo, Hardik bared his soul as he talked about himself and the range of issues he went through before he was picked by Mumbai Indians in IPL. He revealed how he would have been working at a petrol pump had it not been for the money in cricket. Talking about it, Pandya said:
“You need a strong head to understand what is happening. I and Krunal were very strong-headed, so we were able to accept the fact that money is there, but we make sure we never lift a foot off the ground. It might come across like I am flying and all that, but I know at the end of the day, my foot is always on the ground,”
He added:
“Money is good, bro. It changes a lot of things. I am one of those examples. Otherwise, I would be working at a petrol pump. I am not joking. For me, my family was the priority, to make sure my family has a good life,”
Furthermore, Pandya stressed on the fact how it is important to talk about money as it helps youngsters in pursuing sports as a career. He also wondered how many youngsters will be willing to play cricket if there was no money involved in the game. He said:
“In 2019 I had a conversation with someone who was saying, money should not be there for “you all young guys”. I disagreed. When a guy from a village or a small town gets a big contract, he does not keep it for himself, he is looking after his parents, he is looking after his relatives. Money makes the difference. And it gives motivation as well,”
He added:
“There is a misconception that people should not talk about money. I don’t believe in that, because you are passionate about sport and money matters as well. I do not know how many people will play cricket if money is not there,”
