MELBOURNE: A few years ago Hardik Pandya had no idea what future would hold for him but once the fear of failure was gone, he loved the version of himself that emerged.
Since he made a comeback to competitive cricket post a self-imposed rehab to get back his bowling fitness, he has led a new team (Gujarat Titans) to an IPL title and contributed with some crucial all-round performances for India.
In fact, two of his most significance shows this year has been against arch-rivals Pakistan where he has excelled in both departments of the game.
“There was a time when I didn’t know what was next for Hardik. So I had to get very involved in my thought process and then questioned myself “What do you want from life?” Pandya referred to himself in third person as he answered a question from PTI in the mixed zone.
So what has been the biggest takeaway for him during the time he was out of action?
“I have got the fear of failure out and I don’t bother about what’s going to happen and what the result is going to be, what are people going to talk but I do respect people’s opinion,” he said.
1/10
‘Miracle in Melbourne’: Virat Kohli enthralls fans in a cliffhanger
Show Captions<p>Virat Kohli turned back the clock, producing a chasing masterclass as India beat Pakistan in a cliffhanger.</p><p>Kohli entertained the 90,000-plus fans at the iconic MCG, smacking 82* in India’s 4-wicket win.</p><p>Chasing a tricky 160, India crossed the finish line on the final ball of the epic battle.</p><p>India were 31/4 at one stage but Kohli and Hardik helped India steady the chase.</p><p>Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya (40) shared 113-run stand for the 5th wicket.</p><p>Kohli ended penultimate over from Haris Rauf with 2 sixes bringing equation to 16 off last 6 balls.</p><p>Kohli’s 2 sixes off Rauf brought down equation to 16 off final over, giving India a real chance in chase.</p><p>Kohli hit a six in the final over as well while Ashwin hit the winning run off the final ball.</p><p>The epic win was followed by skipper Rohit lifting Kohli in celebration, photos of which took internet by storm.</p>
If one has closely watched Pandya in 2018-19 and now in 2022, there is a stark difference in attitude. His life has changed completely in the interim. He became a father and also lost his father, who was more like his friend.
Perhaps, it has made him more approachable and a bit informal. He asked the scribes if they would mind him sitting on the floor although the norm of mixed zone is to stand in a designated area.
Then when ICC representatives wanted him to hurry up, he replied in his booming baritone voice: “Aarrey inke 4 questions hai. Abhi sirf ak huwa hai baki 3 puchne toh doh (let the press ask their questions).”
When asked if he likes the current version of himself, Hardik smiled.
“Yes, I can say that. I was telling Rahul sir as well that 10 months back, when I was just entering the ground, I was very happy, smiling and excited. Rahul sir must have thought I was over excited for the game.
“I just told him, this is what I wanted to do till I play the sport. Enjoy, the sport and contribute as much as possible and at certain level of standard that I expect myself to play at.”
For him, the last seven months have been the best in his life.
“As you said about last six to seven months but I will count the time away from the game as well where I was preparing was one of the best moments of my life. It taught me a lot of things and got me on a way like I would have never imagined.”
“And that’s when I realized that it is time for you to be what you want to be – playing at the highest level, being able to contribute in every game, no matter what the result would be but being there, giving an opportunity to yourself to contribute as much as possible,” he explained.
For Pandya, he wants to count his blessings looking at where he was and where he has now reached.
“I don’t think I would like to change anything in my life and this would be the best six months. I might have better days but the journey which has happened and from where I have come and where I have reached, very grateful to my family and also the people who helped me.”
Rather score impactful 40 in high-stakes game
For Pandya, the quantum of runs doesn’t matter as much as the impact his scores bring.
“For me, these (vs Pakistan) are the games that make heroes. I don’t want to perform in a dead rubber where the team is already cruising and I come in and smash 80 runs. I like to score those 40s and 50’s where my team needs me more. May be a 40-ball 40 but that’s fine,” he explained.
India won a humdinger of the last ball of the match but had the result gone the other way, the Baroda man would still be happy.
“Even when there was three balls left, I told the boys, even if we lose it, it’s okay. I am just proud in the manner we have fought in this game. We have been a team that has worked hard individually and collectively.
“Even if we would have lost the game, I would have had a smile on my face and tell myself, “You know what, they were good on that day but we tried everything.”
Down the line, Pandya has “accepted the fact” that the sport will bring ups and downs.
1/11
T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli shines in India’s win over Pakistan
Show Captions<p>Virat Kohli struck an imperious half-century as India secured a four-wicket win on the final ball against arch-rivals Pakistan at the T20 World Cup.</p><p>Pakistan’s spinner Mohammad Nawaz gifted India two wides and a no-ball in the final over before Ashwin coolly blasted the winning run over mid-off as India chased down 160 for victory.</p><p>Man-of-the-match Kohli was magnificent, driving India to the brink of victory with 82 not out after digging the team out of trouble in a brilliant partnership with Hardik Pandya (40).</p><p>Pakistan were cruising to what seemed a morale-boosting victory but Kohli went ballistic with the bat in the final overs to bring India home in front of 90,293 screaming fans at MCG.</p><p>Kohli thrashed back-to-back sixes in the penultimate over against Haris Rauf to push India within 15 runs of victory from the final six balls.</p><p>With Kohli off strike, Nawaz had Pandya caught in close with a miscued slog to break a 113-run partnership.</p><p>Kohli took back the strike and hit a six off a no-ball as the wheels fell off for Nawaz, who then bowled a wide.</p><p>Kohli was bowled off the free hit on the next ball but the ball rattled for three byes off the stumps.</p><p>With two balls left and two runs required, Nawaz had Dinesh Karthik stumped but bowled a wide on what would have been the last ball of the over.</p><p>Ashwin cleared the in-field with a calm finish to complete the win, sending Indian fans into a frenzy.</p>
Taking the game deep was key
To Pandya, it never occurred that the chance of winning the match had gone abegging when they were reduced to 31 for 4.
“Partnership needed to be built and give myself and Virat the opportunity to take the game deep, we were 31/4 and we didn’t have much options to play the big shots.”
The other reason being an indiscreet shot selection at the onset would have spelt doom and hence they didn’t take any risk.
“If you don’t try and stick around and instead play big shot to get out, you would never know what were the possibilities if you had stuck around and can play risk free cricket and take the game deep.
“Our mind was clear. So when we needed 50 odd in 3 overs, not for once did we think that the target isn’t achievable. We had the belief.”