'After 3rd Game Of My Career, Mahi Bhai Told Me You Will Be In World Cup Team': Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya in a recent interview with SGTV shared his personal account on how on his international debut leaked 19 runs in his first over and thought his days in the Men In Blue squad were numbered.

Hardik Pandya made a strong comeback on the cricketing field during Indian Premier League 2022 as the captain of Gujrat Titans. The batting all-rounder not only played exceptionally well in IPL 2022 but led his team to win the title in its debut season.

On his resurgence, the Baroda based cricketer expressed his gratitude towards MS Dhoni. He revealed that it was because of the immense confidence Mahendra Singh Dhoni, former captain of the Indian cricket team, had in him that he could reach where he is today.

Pandya in an interview with SGTV shared his personal account on how on his international debut leaked 19 runs in his first over and thought his days in the Men In Blue squad were numbered.

The 28-year-old cricketer made his international debut in 2016 during India’s three-match T20I series on the Australia tour under the captaincy of the MSD.

“When I joined the Indian team, I saw guys whom I had seen growing up — Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Ashish Nehra. Even before I played for India, they were the stars. For me, when I went there it was a big thing," Pandya said.

"So obviously the kind of debut I had, I think I am the first cricketer who had gone for 21 runs (19 runs) in his first over. I genuinely felt that ok, this might be my last over. But I was very blessed and lucky to play under Mahi Bhai who showed a lot of trust in us which has helped us reach where we did,” he added.

He even mentioned how Dhoni assured him of a position in the World Cup squad just after his third international game.

“Just after the third game of my international career, Mahi bhai told me you will be in the World Cup team. So, for me, to play World Cup or to get to know that in the third game I just got to know about this. I did not even bat in that game but he assured me that you have expressed yourself. Yeah, it was just a dream come true,” Pandya said.

Hardik Pandya also told that he shares a great companionship with Dhoni both on and off-field. Pandya has often referred to MSD as his “elder brother” and has even credited him for his successful career.