• Sportzyverse
• T20 World Cup 2024
• 06/02/2024
• 0 Comments

In recent months, Hardik Pandya has faced significant challenges in his cricketing career and personal life. The all-rounder, expected to make a grand return to the Mumbai Indians (MI), experienced a turbulent IPL 2024 season.

After being appointed as the captain and replacing Rohit Sharma, Hardik faced backlash from fans on social media and endured harsh treatment from crowds at various venues. His on-field performance mirrored these difficulties, and speculations about his personal life, including rumours of a divorce from his wife Natasa Stankovic, added to his woes.

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The controversy began last December when MI named Hardik as Rohit’s successor for the IPL 2024 season. This decision was met with a significant negative response from fans, which translated into jeers and boos at almost every match venue. The 2024 IPL season was forgettable for Hardik, both with the bat and ball. He scored only 216 runs in 13 innings and took 11 wickets with an economy rate of 10.75. MI’s overall performance under his captaincy was disappointing, with the team finishing 10th on the points table, securing only four wins throughout the season.

Hardik Pandya opens up on facing ‘difficult times’ before T20 World Cup: “I face everything with my chin up”

Speaking to Star Sports ahead of the T20 World Cup, Hardik acknowledged the “difficult times” he has faced recently. He stated, “I believe you have to stay in the battle. Sometimes life puts you in tough situations, but leaving the field won’t get you the results you want. So, yeah, it has been difficult, but I have tried to follow the same routines I used to follow earlier.”

Despite these challenges, Hardik has been appointed as the vice-captain for the upcoming T20 World Cup, offering him a chance at redemption. Reflecting on his approach to adversity, Hardik said, “I don’t take my successes too seriously. Whatever I have done well, I forget about immediately and move forward. The same goes for difficult times. I don’t run away from them; I face everything with my chin up.”

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Hardik’s resolve to overcome his struggles is evident in his outlook. He remarked, “As they say, this too shall pass. Coming out of these phases is simple: just play the sport, accept that you need to maybe get better at your skillset, keep working hard – hard work never goes to waste – and keep smiling.”

With the T20 World Cup around the corner, Hardik has a fresh opportunity to demonstrate his leadership and skills on an international stage, potentially turning the tide after a challenging period in his career and personal life.