Hardik Pandya has denied reports of wanting to leave Mumbai Indians and going under the hammer at the auction. The 24-year-old says owes Mumbai Indians a lot and doesn’t want to leave them
“I was disappointed when I heard this news because this is false. This team has given me everything. Why would I leave it? My life changed when I got a chance to play for MI (Mumbai Indians) and then I never looked back. I had a small failure and that’s why I learned to be even more professional. You need to understand that some things are bad. That’s how you improve in life,” said Pandya in an interview with News 18.
Ever since he made his arrival on international scene, Hardik Pandya has proved to be vital for India in every format with both bat and ball. He was always looked upon to be the next Kapil Dev. However people doubted him in early days of his career, but Hardik has now dispelled all the doubts and is the all-rounder India were looking for, for many years.
Pandya was bought by Mumbai Indians for 10 lakhs in 2015 and retained by Mumbai Indians for 20 lakhs. He was unsold at IPL Auction 2014. With the giant strides he has made in international cricket this year, he will be the most sought-after player in the auction.
The swashbuckling all-rounder made a big impact for Mumbai Indians in 2015 season of IPL. On his debut, he smashed 16 off 6 balls. In a game against Chennai Super Kings, he blasted 21 off 8 balls with 3 consecutive sixes off Pawan Negi. In another do or die encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders, he rescued Mumbai Indians after a collapse with a blistering half-century. This impact in the IPL earned him a national call-up in January 2016.
Pandya has been rested for first 2 tests against Sri Lanka. “Considering Mr. Pandya”s heavy recent workload, the decision was made to negate any possibility of a major injury concern. Mr. Pandya will undergo a period of strength and conditioning at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru,” the board had stated in a statement.
Pandya is looking forward to South African tour next January which is perhaps considered India”s toughest cricketing assignment. “Yes, I am really excited. People are talking about it. It’s a much-hyped series. I like challenges in life, they keep me going. Who knows I might be the difference there. I am sure we are going to play very well,” he said.
– by Atharva Apte
