From burden to bonanza: Hardik Pandya's redemption story is one for the ages

Hardik Pandya after winning the game

The Hardik Pandya redemption story has to be written in the history books as one of the greatest comeback in the archives. 

Yesterday we saw a different Hardik Pandya in the house. He was a different beast altogether. The intensity could be seen on his face, he was cranking up the pace, and most importantly was bending his back. Yes, the same back which gave up four years ago, at the very same tournament, against the very same opposition.

There is a great buzz surrounding the latest Ben Stokes documentary, Phoenix from the Ashes, which talks about his journey - highs and lows. However, there is another redemption story which I am going to talk about. 

It was in September 2018, against Pakistan, in the same tournament (Asia Cup), that Hardik Pandya injured his back and was stretched off the field. He was India’s mainstay in the middle order and was surely moving towards greatness. So many questions arised that day. Will Pandya get back to his best ever again? Will he be able to play again? 

Pandya injured in 2018

He went through intense rehabilitation, made a comeback, even played the 2019 World Cup, but the intensity was missing. In between the World Cup and his injury, he even had off-field controversies which sort of tarnished his image in front of the fans.

Hardik was in and out of the side, he was even replaced by Venkatesh Iyer in the middle order, and there was a outside noise going on that his career could be over for good. 

But great players have a sign that no matter the situation, they will never give up. Hardik took a break from the game, went off the social media and completely changed his lifestyle. His training regime changed and everything he did was constantly being monitored by his team.

Often it is said that cricket is a game of great uncertainty. This was proven right in February 2022 when the Indian all-rounder was announced as the captain of the newly formed Gujarat Titans franchise. Question marks were raised over this decision, and people question GT’s team management. But great players always find a way to answer their critics. 

What happened in the recently concluded IPL was the proof that we have a renewed Hardik Pandya on our hands. He shouldered the responsibility (Both with bat and ball), came in at number 4, marshalled his troops to perfection and clinched the title for his side in an emphatic fashion. 

Pandya led GT from the front

But the real test was just about to begin. He made his much awaited comeback in the Indian limited overs side, and his work behind the scenes as a bowler was at his full flow. Often he completed his quota of four overs, and was not shying away from any challenge presented in front of him.

All-rounders form a vital cog in the game of cricket, and a quality all-rounder can make a truckload of difference to any side. Hardik Pandya’s importance to this Indian side can be summed up by his performance against a quality Pakistan side. The pitch had a bit of juice in it and Pandya the bowler exploited it beautifully. He troubled the best in the business with his well directed bumpers, and each of his 3 wickets were clicked in excess of 140 km/h.

Pandya and Rohit Sharma

His job wasn’t done yet. Pandya came into bat when India were on the brink of defeat. Men in Blue needed a calm head, and boy Hardik surprisingly showed Dhoni-esque calmness at the crease and steered India home. He knew the bowlers were under the pressure and Kung-Fu Pandya played a calculative knock which showed why his presence makes this Indian side a different side.

The new and improved Hardik Pandya is a lot calmer, is a lot mature, and certainly understands his game a lot better. Four years ago, he looked down and out, four years later, he has redeemed himself. 

Also Read: What if IND vs PAK ended differently?