Hardik Pandya, whose recent performances in the T20 World Cup earned him the nickname ‘Redemption king’, has shown impressive all-round attributes with both bat and ball in the mega event. In this T20 World Cup, Hardik scored 144 runs with an impressive strike rate of 151.57. He also bowled incredible overs in high-pressure moments, and has shocked the opposition batters with his pace, picking up 8 wickets in 8 games at a decent economy of 7.64 and did wonders.
However, before taking flight for the T20 World Cup, it was a fact that he faced criticism. From rift rumors with the India captain and his Mumbai Indians teammate Rohit Sharma to divorce rumors with his wife Natasha Stankovic, but stood tall.
After making a massive contribution and leading India to their second T20 World Cup victory with his all-round attributes. He spoke with Nasir Hussain post-game, said, ‘It’s special for me after six months. I haven’t spoken a word, things have been unfair, but I knew there would be a time I could shine. An opportunity like this makes it all the more special.’ Thats what Pandya said. First, let’s take a look at all the controversies Hardik Pandya faced and conquered.
3 Hardik Pandya Controversies
Rift Rumours with Rohit Sharma
One of the most talked-about controversies that almost shook Pandya was when he started receiving hate from the public due to his reported rift with Rohit Sharma, which led Sharma’s fans to almost humiliate Hardik Pandya whenever they got an opportunity.
The flame escalated in December 2023 when Rohit was removed from the IPL captaincy by the Mumbai Indians and Hardik was named his successor. This decision turned out to be bad, as the team also received negative comments, while Hardik became the center of attention for every critic and became a punching bag for everyone.
Booed in IPL 2024
It was quite fitting to compare Hardik Pandya’s IPL 2024 journey to severe trauma. Under his leadership, the Mumbai Indians team did not live up to expectations, and his personal performances with both bat and ball turned out to be a disaster. Adding fuel to the fire, critics severely booed the all-rounder throughout the IPL.
At times, a few big names had to step up to defend him. Recently, after India clinched the T20 World Cup, Sanjay Manjrekar revealed that he knew Pandya would be a key asset for India in the World Cup. Manjrekar told ESPN Cricinfo, ‘What a turnaround for Hardik Pandya. In the IPL, people were jeering and booing him, and I told them to behave because he is a big-stage player’.
Divorce rumours with wife Natasha Stankovic!
On one hand, professionally, Pandya’s career almost became as tough as a hard stone, whereas on the other, his personal life issues also hit the news just before the T20 World Cup. The news started covering all the front pages about Hardik Pandya and his wife Natasha Stankovic’s separation news.
It was reported that the couple is not having a good time with each other and is on the verge of divorce. Although some said it was just a PR trick to improve Pandya’s image, others believed something was surely not good between them. There is still no news about what’s going on, as both parties didn’t talk about all these things, but this personal case also took center stage and almost sank the star all-rounder’s career.
Redemption time!
With all this on his mind and still able to cope up and help the team clinch the second T20 World Cup trophy, it’s nothing short but unbelievable what Hardik Pandya pulled off. As mentioned, both his batting performances and bowling performed magic for the team. Even Rohit Sharma, who led the team, heaped praises. There was even footage where he was seen blowing happy kisses to this all-rounder.
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