Indian Premier League 2024, there was a big trade that happened in the history of IPL. Hardik Pandya, the finest all-rounder that India has produced after Kapil Dev, has been traded to Mumbai Indians by Gujarat Titans. Hardik Pandya started his career in IPL with Mumbai Indians in the year 2015. Mumbai bought him for ten lakhs, and they never knew they bagged a key player not only for MI but also for the Indian cricket team. Hardik won many matches for MI and GT, which led to winning titles of IPL. Hardik Pandya received his cap for the Indian cricket team in 2016 and was also part of the T20 World Cup squad that year. On March 23, 2016, there was a thrilling match between India and Bangladesh. The match statistics were as follows: Bangladesh needed 10 runs from 5 balls in the last over. Hardik was given the ball. At 19.2, Hardik bowled to Mushfiqur, who hit a four. At 19.3, Mushfiqur hit another four off Hardik. India’s winning hope seemed to diminish. Now, Bangladesh needed just 2 runs off 4 balls, an easy win for them. Fans and the Bangladesh team were ready to celebrate, but things took a dramatic turn. The next commentary was: 19.4 Hardik to Mushfiqur, OUT caught by Dhawan; 19.5 Hardik to Mahmudullah, OUT. Fingers crossed, it was now the last ball, and the odds were still in Bangladesh's favor. The final ball: Hardik to Shuvagata, and it was a RUN OUT by MS Dhoni. India won the match.
Another defining moment for Hardik came with the bat during the 2017 Champions Trophy final in an epic clash between India and Pakistan. Pakistan set a target of 339 runs. During India's innings, top batsmen Rohit, Virat, and Dhawan got out early. Although India lost the match, Hardik's performance was nothing short of extraordinary, showing the true meaning of a "one-man show" or "one-man army." While no other Indian batsman scored over 30 runs, Hardik hit 76 runs off 43 balls, including four 4s and six 6s, with an impressive strike rate of 176. Despite the loss, India took pride in Hardik’s valiant effort.
In 2024, Hardik became the captain of MI. However, fans didn’t receive him warmly at Wankhede Stadium, as they were unhappy with Rohit Sharma's removal from captaincy. They didn’t support him while bowling or batting, making it a tough year for MI.
During the 2024 T20 World Cup, India faced South Africa. At one point, South Africa needed 30 runs off 30 balls, with Klassen hitting sixes effortlessly. But Hardik, with the ball, bowled an outside off delivery that Klassen nicked, resulting in a crucial wicket. The pressure then shifted to South Africa. In the last over, with Miller hitting the ball, Hardik again proved vital by taking Miller’s wicket, saving the match, and ending India’s ICC tournament win drought. With tears in his eyes, Hardik celebrated India’s victory. The journey from the maidans of Mumbai to saving crucial matches for India displayed his resilience and talent.
After this epic win, India celebrated their victory at Wankhede Stadium, where chants of "Hardik, Hardik, Hardik" resonated throughout. The man, once underrated, now earned the adoration of fans at the same place where he had faced initial resistance. It was truly a redemption story.
