‘Hardik 3.0 will be passionate, gritty’: Pandya opens up on life changes in last one year | Ipl News

A hint of a smile appeared in Hardik Pandya’s face when Rohit Sharma said ‘hat’s off to Hardik for bowling that last over’. The expression would turn beatific when the crowd began to chant “Hardik Hardik!”, and as a thunderous swell of applause rang around the Wankhede stadium during the T20 world cup triumph celebration ceremony, he sprang up on his feet, raising his arms to soak it all up. A more cathartic ‘villain to hero’ moment in sport would be tough to find as few homecomings had been as unwelcoming as faced Hardik Pandya at Mumbai Indians last season. A reunion that was supposed to act as a catalyst for success got off on the wrong foot with Pandya at the receiving end of constant jeers at the Wankhede Stadium as the five-time champions had a season to forget finishing at the bottom.
With the new season just days away, Pandya knows all of it is totally behind him, as he sets his sight on bringing home a record sixth title.
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Hardik Pandya playing for Gujarat Titans. (FILE photo)
“My life has been quite up and down. But I think that has been the learning which I have really enjoyed. It has just not taught me about the sport, it has taught me about life as well, and how life would be over the years. This year, it’s a fresh year. A lot of things have changed, a lot of love and joy, and a lot of things are added. Hardik 3.0 will be passionate, gritty. Crucial part would be how I can help my boys to fight the challenges, how to add more value to the players and team,” Pandya said on Wednesday.
Pandya’s transfer from Gujarat Titans and given the captaincy ahead of Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah seemed to cause a lot of turbulence in the franchise that has always looked settled. Post that IPL, the national selectors seemingly weren’t as convinced as the franchise, instead bestowing Surya the leadership role for India’s T20 team. Since then, though, Pandya has appeared a totally different player and in the recent Champions Trophy, showed how he is still the MVP for India in white-ball formats.
“I’m lucky that I have three captains who are playing with me. It adds more and more experience. If I require help, I know that there are three different minds who have led India for different formats. They can always put an arm around my shoulder and they will always be there,” Pandya said.
In a batting line-up that is already oozing class, unlike previous editions where they had an overseas player to don the finisher’s role, Mumbai Indians don’t have anyone specific for that role. With the likes of Robin Minz, Naman Dhir lacking experience, Pandya could be entrusted with role which he has embraced in India colours. And Pandya said he hasn’t nailed down a spot to bat. Story continues below this ad
“The batting order is something I’ve never really taken much into my cricket, I’ve always been someone who liked to play situations. Specific numbers like batting at 4, 5, 6, it has gone from my cricketing journey. I only focus on what is required for my team. If my team requires me to bat at 4, very good, if 7, very good, any number basically, I’m fine with it, it’s just which situation that I go into is more important for me,” Pandya said.
There is still an uncertainty around MI’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s availability. Mumbai will also be without Pandya for their opening match against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium as he has to serve one-match suspension for maintain poor over-rate last season. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene, who has returned to the hot seat replacing Mark Boucher, said the situation provides an opportunity to test other combinations.
“Jasprit is with NCA, just started the process there. Will await their feedback on him. Progress will be monitored on day to day basis. Not having him is a challenge, but we can experiment. For me, it’s tough still to define exactly which route are we going to take, I’ve been very honest, especially with Booms not being in that starting level and then Hardik missing out the first game, so I have a few ideas around my head,” Jayawardene said.
Mumbai Indians player Jasprit Bumrah in action. (FILE)
Ever since the Impact Player rule came about, Mumbai Indians have been able to take the field with as many as 8 local players thanks to a strong Indian core. Jayawardene said he is still undecided on that front. “I’ve had chats with HP (Hardik), the co-group as well, and with Ro (Rohit). Once I get to Chennai, I’ll have a good look at the weekend and then see what our best combination would be with the three overseas, four overseas.Story continues below this ad
“That’s the beauty about IPL; every game, every team throws us different challenges and us having a really experienced team with different skill set of individuals helps us to manoeuvre those challenges very well. I’m pretty sure we’ll, sooner rather than later, will settle into a consent combination.” Undoubtedly, Hardik will remain the star of that team.