If a player faced the most criticism in IPL 2024, he was Hardik Pandya. When Mumbai Indians (Mi) removed Rohit Sharma and made Hardik the captain, the fans got angry. From hooting on the field to trolling on social media, Hardik fell victim to criticism everywhere. But, despite all this, he kept smiling and stood on the field.
The performance of Mumbai Indians was also disappointing, and the team was at the bottom of the points table. But in just one year, the story of Hardik Pandya has completely changed. When he takes the ground in IPL 2025, he will have two ICC Trophy in his hand-T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025.
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has given his opinion on this amazing comeback of Hardik. He said on social media that this journey of Hardik is so inspiring that a biopic or documentary should be made on it. He described Hardik as the “lion of the jungle”, who walks alone and makes his way.
Combat story: Mental struggle and confidence victory
Mohammad Kaif posted an emotional video on Hardik Pandya, in which he told the story of his mental struggle and a brilliant comeback.
Kaif said,
“Hardik said that I did not want to show my tears to anyone, because people would enjoy it. The pain proceeded in his chest. People smelled, people rejected. But he did not give up.”
Kaif said that it is the deepest wound for a player to bear insults and criticism. No player forgets it, nor is able to bear it.
A champion out of insult and mental torture
Kaif further said that a player can be dropped from the team, but playing insulted is not less than mental torture. This happened to Hardik.
T20 World Cup 2024: World winner performance
- Hardik Pandya emerged as the star player of India in the T20 World Cup 2024.
- He did wonders in bowling and won the trophy to India by taking the wicket of Heinrich Klassen.
- Hardik’s bowling and batting won India in the final.
Champions Trophy 2025: Strong performance against Australia
- Hardik made a six -day shield against Adam Zampa.
- He played a key role in giving India a second consecutive ICC Trophy by performing brilliantly with both the ball and the bat.
- It proved that he is not only a good all -rounder, but a great player.
Kaif said that if a documentary is made on Hardik Pandya, then his struggle story of the last seven months will inspire everyone.
“Hardik is a lion of the jungle. He walks alone and makes his own way. He hit with the bat, hit the ball, and gave a befitting reply to the critics.”
How Hardik became the captain of Mi, and why was there a ruckus?
Prior to IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians suddenly took a major decision – Rohit Sharma was removed from the captaincy and made Hardik Pandya the new captain of the team.
Fans’ displeasure and ruckus on social media
- Rohit Sharma’s fans were angry with this decision of Mumbai Indians.
- When Hardik first landed as the captain of Mi, the fans started hooting and trolling.
- #Justiceforrohit started trending on social media.
Travel from Gujarat to Mumbai
Hardik was the captain of Gujarat Titans earlier, where he
- Won the trophy in IPL 2022.
- In IPL 2023, the team was taken to the final.
- But when Mumbai Indians called him back, he returned to his home team.
Crack in Mi Dressing Room?
After Hardik became the captain, there were reports of tension in Mi’s dressing room. According to reports,
- There was a cold war between Rohit Sharma and Hardik.
- Some players of the team were in support of Rohit, while some of Hardik.
- The dispute affected the team’s performance, and Mumbai Indians finished final.
