Hardik comes into his own when he dons the Indian jersey

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As we all know, Hardik Pandya went through the worst phase of his cricket career during the 2024 version of the IPL. The only good thing was getting the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians. Otherwise, everyone was topsy-turvy. Unfortunately, his credentials as an all-rounder was questioned but he just took it all.

That composure resulted in making Hardik become stronger. Fortunately, there was no booing in New York and Hardik was able to show his true colours as a quality all-rounder. In the Indian colours, something happens to him.

The practice match against Bangladesh, where he played a stroke-filled knock to wrap up the Indian innings in style, was followed by some decisive bowling spells against Ireland in India’s first league match. In other words, Hardik is feeling better and looking strong again.

The value of Hardik was underlined when he was out of the Indian team during the 2023 World Cup due to a leg injury.

In his absence, India had to fill in with two players – Mohd Shami and Surya Kumar Yadav to put together a balanced side. It is also said that when Hardik is playing for India, 12 players are out there, not 11.

Hardik is also the most misunderstood player in Indian cricket. His swagger and the way he walks the talk and plays the game, he resembles a brand of cricket. Hardik has his ways to show his loudness. He doesn’t like creating a facade. Hardik won’t pretend. He doesn’t show what others want to see. He is his own man. That gives him that unique identity. And he loves that.

The T20 World Cup has just begun, and we will have a lot of Hardik in June. With bat and ball, he will rule the roost again. Not to forget that he has done it in the past. It won’t be a big surprise if he does it again.

A bold decision like a power-hitter Rishabh Pant coming out as a one-down batter won’t happen just like that. Hardik, the vice-captain, may have played a role in that. Who knows? He is a 3D player after all!