Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya

ABOUT

Hardik Himanshu Pandya, born on October 11, 1993, in Surat, Gujarat, India, is a prominent cricketer who has gained renown for his all-round capabilities in the sport. Serving as an explosive batting all-rounder, Hardik demonstrates remarkable proficiency with both bat and ball, ensuring his vital role in India’s cricketing achievements. Known for his aggressive playing style, he has cemented his place in the Indian national team and various domestic leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL).

BEFORE FAME

Hardik Pandya’s journey to cricketing stardom began at a young age when he moved with his family to Vadodara to better pursue cricket. He trained at the Kiran More Cricket Academy alongside his elder brother, Krunal Pandya, who also became a cricketer. Facing numerous financial challenges, Hardik’s early career was marked by dedication and rigorous training. He first grabbed attention through his performances in domestic cricket for Baroda and especially during the 2013-14 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy which set the stage for his future selection in the IPL and the national team.

TRIVIA

• Hardik Pandya made his ODI debut for India against New Zealand on October 16, 2016.
• He became the first Indian to take 4 wickets and score over 30 runs in the same T20 international match.
• Hardik played a pivotal role in India’s historic win against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy final in 2017, where he scored a quickfire 76 runs off just 43 balls.
• Known for his charismatic personality and fashion sense, Hardik is also seen as a style icon among younger fans.

FAMILY LIFE

Hardik Pandya was born to Himanshu Pandya, who ran a small car finance business, and Nalini Pandya. He has an elder brother, Krunal Pandya, who is also a professional cricketer and has represented India in both domestic and international formats. Their family’s unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping their cricket careers. Hardik married Serbian actress Natasa Stankovic in a private ceremony, and the couple welcomed their first child, Agastya, in July 2020.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout his career, Hardik Pandya has played alongside some of cricket’s greatest figures. His tenure with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL saw him share the dressing room with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and current greats like Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard. Internationally, he has been a crucial teammate of superstars such as Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Jasprit Bumrah. Known for his ability to change the course of a game single-handedly, he often draws comparisons with legendary all-rounders like Kapil Dev and Andrew Flintoff.