In the second season of What The Duck with Vikram Sathaye, Vikram Sathaye invited the emerging star of Indian cricket Hardik Pandya. Pandya is a very promising young talent who ha earned a lot of fans in a very short period of time. India have always craved for a fast-bowling all-rounder and, presently, all eyes are on Pandya and fans are hopeful that he will go on to become a great all-rounder.
Pandya is a very hardworking cricketer, who gave up studies after class 9 to dedicate his 100% attention to cricket. He along with his brother Krunal Pandya, worked very hard and struggled everyday until they were identified by Mumbai Indians’ scouts. Now, ‘Pandya Brothers’ are household names and Indian cricket fans enjoy their aggressive and flamboyant style of playing cricket.
While speaking to Vikram Sathaye, Hardik revealed many things. He spoke very candidly and shared some interesting stories about his early days and Mumbai Indians, specially Sachin Tendulkar. Pandya said that the first time he saw Sachin Tendulkar in the dressing room, he left his plate aside and just kept watching him.
When Vikram Sathaye asked Pandya about any special encounter with Sachin Tendulkar, he revealed a very interesting story.
“I never told about this and maybe only few people know about this. I didn’t play for India yet, I had my IPL match, we (Mumbai Indians) were playing against Chennai Super Kings. Before the match, Sachin sir said that he wanted to talk to me.
So, after the match, I went to him but the team huddle was happening all that, so he said that we will talk in Bombay. Sio, when we reached Mumbai, as I met him, he told me: “First of all you are doing very good. I must not tell you this but the way you play, the potential you have, your talent. You will play for India within a year and half.”
Honestly, I was astonished. I called up and Krunal and told him about this.”
Watch the full episode here: (for the part mentioned above 3:10-4:20 minutes)
