Hardik Pandya opens up on struggles during conversation with PM Modi, says 'I would stay strong and...'

Indian star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has seen a roller-coaster last six months having struggled personally before rising on the grandest stage to win the T20 World Cup with Team India. Pandya, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (July 4),opened up on how he answered the critics with his performance on the field. Hardik played a pivotal role in Team India’s recent T20 World Cup success having beaten South Africa in the final.

Pandya opens up on struggles

"The last 6 months have been very entertaining for me, there have been a lot of ups and downs and the public booed me. A lot of things happened and I always felt that if I give any answer, it would be through sports... So I believed that I would stay strong, will work hard,” Hardik said while in conversation with PM Modi.

During the tournament, Hardik was one of the important members of the squad and played in all the matches including the final where he bowled the decisive over. He finished with 144 runs at a batting strike rate of over 150 and also took 11 wickets. He was recently rewarded with the top rank in the T20 All-rounders rankings released on Wednesday.

In the last six months, Hardik was criticised for taking over the captaincy at Indian Premier League (IPL) side Mumbai Indians. He was booed by certain sections of the stadium when representing Mumbai at the IPL 2024.

However, those critics were answered when Hardik went on playa key role in the Indian team’s success andhelp lift the T20 World Cup.

Fitting reception for Team India

On Thursday, in a grand ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium, the BCCI officials felicitated Team India and its stars and handed a cheque of INR 1.25 billion ($15 million). Board Secretary Jay Shah, President Roger Binney, BCCI Vice President, Treasurer Ashish Shelar and others were present at the ceremony as Team India was welcomed with open arms. Players were then seen going around the stadium in a victory lap handing out signed balls for the fans and showcasing the World Cup trophy.