Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya shared how he embraced fatherhood and how it affected him as a person and changed his life forever. Hardik has been under scrutiny since he replaced Rohit Sharma as MI captain for IPL 2024. He was constantly targeted by fans wherever he played, with fans booing him during MI's matches, home and away. Fans even attacked him on social media for his poor form in the tournament. Despite all the talk about his form and fitness, Hardik was included in the Indian T20 World Cup squad, which was announced a few days ago.
During a recent interaction, Hardik revealed how his priorities and outlook on life changed after becoming a father.
“(After I became a father) My cricket didn't change much, but as a person it changed my outlook on life. Perspective and priorities have changed and it brought a lot of calmness in me. Ultimately, you Know that when you go back to your family and loved ones , they are always there for you. Very grateful for this life. Getting married and becoming a father, it has been very special,” Hardik said in a video uploaded by Star Sports.
“The aspect of fatherhood has changed me” – Hardik@hardikpandya7 reflects on how it transformed his life and introduced a new sense of calm to him!
Look at the @mipaltan skipper in action tomorrow preparing the equipment #MahaMatchOfTheWeek in stunning 4K on Star4K, for… pic.twitter.com/FWqMPYVTer
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 3, 2024
Hardik, who married actress Natasa Stankovic in 2023, had become a father in 2020. He has a four-year-old son named Agastya.
Despite his recent struggles, Indian captain Rohit and chief selector Ajit Agarkar backed Hardik to perform well in IPL 2024 as well as in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Both Agarkar and Rohit were happy to see that Hardik has not suffered any injuries so far while fulfilling his role as a batsman and bowler for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024.
“Nothing has been discussed about the vice-captain position. You want everyone to be in good form. The good thing is that he (Hardik) has come through all the games for MI, and we still have a month and a little bit left.
“We know he is doing that and hope he continues to build on that form. I don't think there is a replacement for the things he can do. He gives the team balance and Rohit the ability to play different combinations. Luckily he has did that.” This IPL has gone well so far,” Agarkar said at a press conference on Thursday.
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