Cuttack: India’s ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya feels a positive mindset has helped him return to the ground “stronger, bigger and better” after injury setbacks led to self-doubt.
Pandya’s return from a nearly two-month layoff due left quadriceps injury propelled India to a massive 101-run win against South Africa in the opening T20I here on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old all-rounder blazed to an unbeaten 28-ball 59 and 1/16 with the ball as he announced his return to the side after suffering the injury during the Asia Cup.
After the match, Hardik, who was adjudged the Player of the Match, set his eyes on bigger and better goals. Relishing every bit of his comeback, Hardik wants to enjoy every moment that lies ahead of him. A two-time ICC trophy winner, Hardik opened up about his time away from the game due to injury and how he looks at himself now that he’s ready and raring to go.
“You should be a rockstar. Come perform for 10 minutes, and the crowd goes berserk. That has been the biggest motivation for me. Life has always thrown a lot of lemons at me, and I always thought that I would make lemonade. I’ve always believed that if I don’t believe in myself, how will others believe me? My mindset was really about coming back stronger, bigger, and better,” Hardik said in a video uploaded by the BCCI.
“Every time that I walk in, I feel like the crowd has been waiting for this moment. They’ve come to watch me bat. Because I have been strong, I have accomplished many things with ease. That has helped me in becoming more confident, back myself, and really trust my skillset. I really believe in myself as a player. Injuries test you mentally as well, and at the same time, it puts you in a lot of doubt.”
Hardik spoke about his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, crediting her for spreading positivity in his life. Then, referring to himself in third person, Hardik boldly declared that from this point onward, achieving bigger goals while thriving in every opportunity is what he aims to achieve.
“Special mention to my partner as well. She’s been nothing but best to me since she entered my life. A lot of great things have happened since she’s arrived,” he said. “Now it’s time where Hardik Pandya just wants to play the sport and enjoy every second on the ground. And yes, bigger and better will be the motto in my life.”
