Hardik Pandya has made a powerful statement following his return to cricket after an injury layoff, asserting his commitment to honesty and a forward-looking approach. The Indian all-rounder, who was sidelined for two months due to a quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup, marked his comeback with a remarkable performance in the first T20I against South Africa, scoring 59 runs off 28 balls and taking a wicket.
Pandya emphasized the importance of being genuine and true to oneself. "I think I have been a very honest, very real person in life as well, which has helped me a lot. I don't really sugarcoat a lot of things in my life," he stated, highlighting his direct and transparent approach. He further added that his focus is on his own feelings and self-perception, rather than being swayed by external opinions. "It's never about the other person, it's never about how others think or how others perceive. It's always about how I feel inside".
The all-rounder's return to the field was pivotal in India's victory against South Africa, demonstrating his full recovery and readiness for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Pandya's mindset throughout his recovery was focused on becoming "stronger, bigger, better," and he credits his positive attitude and self-belief for his successful comeback. He acknowledged that injuries can lead to self-doubt but emphasized the significance of mental strength in overcoming such challenges. "Injuries test you mentally and at the same point in time, it kind of puts a lot of doubts," Pandya said.
Pandya also expressed his gratitude towards his loved ones for their support during his injury-induced absence. He highlighted the importance of inner confidence and self-belief in achieving success, remarking, "I've stood strong, I've done a lot of things with grace, and that has helped me to become even more confident".
In addition to his personal philosophy, Pandya spoke about the energy he derives from the crowd, which motivates him to perform at his best. "You should be a rockstar. You come, perform for 10 minutes and the crowd goes berserk, I think that has been the biggest motivation for me," he said, emphasizing the special connection he feels with the fans. He also shared his inspiring approach to challenges, stating, "Life has thrown a lot of lemons at me, I've always thought I'll make a lemonade".
Looking ahead, Pandya's motto is to "play the sport, enjoy every second on the ground… and bigger and better will be the motto in my life". His focus is on the present moment and maximizing his enjoyment of the game.
Pandya's return has not only boosted the Indian team but also serves as an inspiration to athletes facing similar challenges. Former India coach Sanjay Bangar praised Pandya's all-round abilities, stating that "there is no player like him".
