Hardik Pandya Old Pictures: A success story of what dreams are made of
Published on: Feb 20, 2023 5:30 pm IST|Updated on: Feb 20, 2023 5:43 pm IST
Hardik Pandya is one of the most talented and sought-after cricketers in the world. He has been a key member of the Indian cricket team since his debut in 2016 and has played a vital role in their success in both limited-overs and Test cricket. But what is less known about Hardik is the fact that he came from humble beginnings and had to overcome numerous obstacles to achieve his dreams. In this blog post, we will discuss Hardik Pandya’s rags-to-riches story, and how he went from a small town boy to a millionaire cricketer.
Early Life and Struggles
Hardik Pandya was born on 11 October 1993 in Surat, Gujarat, to Himanshu Pandya and Nalini Pandya. His father owned a small car finance business, while his mother worked as a homemaker. Hardik grew up in a modest one-room apartment in Baroda, and his family struggled to make ends meet.
Despite the financial difficulties, Hardik was passionate about cricket from a young age. He would often sneak out of the house to play cricket with his friends, using makeshift equipment such as a rubber ball and a broken bat. However, his family was not initially supportive of his cricketing ambitions, and wanted him to focus on his studies instead.
In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Hardik recounted his struggles: “My family was not supportive at all. They wanted me to concentrate on my studies. I was the black sheep of the family. I had to convince them that I was serious about cricket and that I could make a career out of it.”
Hardik Pandya Old Pictures
Early Cricket Career
Hardik’s cricketing career began in earnest when he was selected to play for the Baroda Under-16 team. He quickly made a name for himself as a talented all-rounder, and was soon promoted to the Under-19 team.
Despite his impressive performances for the Under-19 team, Hardik found it difficult to break into the senior Baroda team. He was often overlooked in favour of more established players, and had to wait patiently for his chance.
It was during this time that Hardik’s father passed away due to a cardiac arrest, leaving the family in a difficult financial situation. Hardik was forced to take odd jobs, such as selling cars and driving autorickshaws, to support his family and fund his cricketing ambitions.
Making a Name in IPL
Hardik’s breakthrough came in 2015, when he was signed by Mumbai Indians for the Indian Premier League (IPL) at a base price of Rs. 10 lakhs. He made an immediate impact, scoring 61 runs off 31 balls in his first match for the team.
Hardik’s performances in the IPL caught the eye of the national selectors, and he was selected to play for the Indian cricket team in 2016. He made his debut in a T20 match against Australia, and went on to play a crucial role in India’s run to the final of the ICC World T20 that year.
Since then, Hardik has established himself as a key member of the Indian cricket team, and has played a vital role in their success in both limited-overs and Test cricket. He is known for his explosive batting, effective medium pace bowling, and electric fielding.
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Hardik Pandya’s Net Worth
Hardik Pandya’s success in cricket has not only made him a star player but also one of the richest cricketers in the world. His net worth is estimated to be around $15 million (approximately Rs. 110 crore).
A significant portion of his wealth comes from his IPL contracts. In the 2022 IPL auction, he was bought by the Gujarat Titans for a whopping Rs. 15 crores.