New Delhi: Hard-hitting Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya confirmed his relationship with Serbian actress Natasa Stankovi as he took to Instagram to share a picture with with his lady love and wrote: "Starting the year with my firework." Pandya's team-mates Yuzvendra Chahal and KL Rahul were among the firsts to react to the post.


Pandya, who is recovering from a back surgery he had in October, is leaving no stone unturned to make a comeback in India's squad for the tour of New Zealand, which takes place in January 2020.

In an interview, Hardik told IANS that this is not the first time he is looking to make a comeback from injury, but for him, it is about never giving up as he looks to stay mentally healthy in this phase.

"It might sound cool, but it is not easy to keep coming back as you need motivation. Yes, we all have motivation, but you need to be sure that you do not go down the wrong path. You don't question yourself and why is it happening to you. I try and back myself and stay positive. I have understood that every comeback gives me an edge and makes me stronger. I want people to say I learnt something when I was away due to injury.

"Physically I can always come back, but mentally it is important to stay healthy. And to be honest, a lot of things have happened in my life and I have become much stronger mentally," he explained.