Date – September 19, 2018. Venue – Dubai International Stadium, United Arab Emirates. Match – India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup. There was a deafening silence on the ground, the ICT fans were left stunned, the Men in Blue had suffered a big blow as star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was stretchered off the field following a lower back injury during the match.
Ever since then, he had to move in and out of the physiotherapy room in order to regain his old form. He was snubbed from the Indian cricket team. Hardik, who was once being compared to the legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev, was written off as a “finished player” by several critics and experts.
Not just he was going through a physical strain but also a mental strain as well. It wasn’t easy. But Hardik Pandya not for once looked directionless.
“Yes, that’s the plan. My main aim is to be at my peak when the World Cup happens. “
His goal was clear. Time and again, he expressed his intentions of making India win some prestigious trophies, however, he was trolled mercilessly by fans and experts when he made such statements.
Fast-forward to 2022, Hardik was a pre-auction signing ahead of the IPL 2022 mega-auction. He was roped in as the captain of IPL’s new franchise Gujarat Titans and this move raised many eyebrows.
“How can Hardik captain a team? Is this an emotional move because Hardik hails from Gujarat? Will he be able to justify his role as the captain? Is Pandya well suited for this role?”
Well, Hardik Pandya has silenced his critics like a boss! Pandya, who is leading an IPL franchise for the first time in his career, has led his team – Gujarat Titans to IPL 2022 final showdown. Captain Hardik Pandya has finally come home, however, the road back home wasn’t an easy one.
Kung-fu Pandya’s comeback saga
Hardik Pandya went through a lot but he defied all odds to be where he is today. Be it bat, ball, or leadership, Pandya has led Gujarat Titans from the front and has delivered whatever the team has asked from him.
With the bat, he promoted himself up the order, coming to play mostly at number 3 or 4 he has played some crucial knocks for his side. With the ball, he has bowled inside the powerplay and picked up wickets here and there but he has been economical in his spells.
His leadership has impressed one and all. He used his cards well. He spoke about his philosophy of having no hierarchy in the team and of believing in his team and giving an equal amount of respect to everyone in his squad.
Hardik has taken a leaf out of Dhoni‘s book in terms of backing his players and a leaf out of Rohit’s book to handle difficult situations with ease. However, Pandya has outdone both the captains this year. Pandya’s team Gujarat Titans was miles ahead of others. GT became the first team to qualify for the playoffs and for the finals as well.
All thanks to his terrific performances in IPL 2022, Hardik Pandya received a comeback call from the BCCI. His inclusion in team India for the upcoming series against South Africa is a cherry on top of the cake!
Tonight, as Hardik Pandya and his squad gear up for the final showdown against Rajasthan Royals, we his true fans are not worried about the results. Hardik Pandya just like the phoenix has risen from the ashes and this is the real trophy for us.
