Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has witnessed a meteoric rise ever since he bursts onto the international circuit. His stocks have only gone higher as he became a dependable option as an all-rounder. But have you ever wondered why Pandya used to sport jersey no 228?
Pandya, who hails from Baroda had a challenging childhood. Hardik Pandya and his brother Krunal Pandya went through quite a lot of hardship to reach where they are today. Growing up, the duo only had one bat, and they had to share it. And when one was already using it, the other had to borrow it from someone else. However, the hardships have paid dividends as both of them have represented the country.
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Why Hardik Pandya sports jersey no 228?
Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council recently came up with a tweet where they asked the fans whether they know why Hardik Pandya sports jersey no. 228.
🤔🤔🤔
Can you tell why @hardikpandya7 used to sport a jersey with the number 228? pic.twitter.com/5ZZdTHb4xu
— ICC (@ICC) May 21, 2020
Renowned statistician Mohandas Menon finally divulged on the trivia before fans joined in to give the answer. Hardik Pandya had scored the same number of runs for Baroda u16 against Mumbai U16 in 2009. This is also his only double century and he was the captain of his side back then. He batted nine long hours to score 228 runs of 391 deliveries in that game.
Hardik Pandya's only double century of his career (so far!) .. 228 (run out) for Baroda U16 against Mumbai U16 at Reliance Cricket Stadium, Nagothane on 9/10 Dec 2009 in the Vijay Merchant U16 Trophy tournament 2009/10. He was captain then!
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) May 21, 2020
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Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya who had a difficult owing to injuries underwent surgery in September last year. He regained fitness and made it to the ODI squad against South Africa but with the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, BCCI had to call off the series. The all-rounder is now itching to get back to the field.
However, with no signs of improvement in the country, it looks like a far-fetched dream now. India is currently under the fourth phase of lockdown until May 31.
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