NewKerala.com

Hardik Pandya at 10-Year Milestone: "Merely the Beginning" of His Journey

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has reflected on completing ten years in international cricket, stating it feels like just the start of the journey he truly wants to walk. He made his debut on Republic Day in 2016 and expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country through the sport. Pandya has been instrumental in India's recent white-ball successes, including the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy. His career statistics across formats underscore his value as a premier match-winning all-rounder for the national team.

Key Points: Hardik Pandya Reflects on 10 Years in International Cricket

  • 10-year milestone since 2016 debut
  • Calls journey "merely the beginning"
  • Key contributor to India's white-ball success
  • Reflects on transformation from Baroda to national star
3 min read

"Just getting started on the path I truly wish to walk": Hardik reflects on 10 years in international cricket

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya marks a decade in international cricket, calling it just the start of the path he truly wishes to walk.

"This is merely the beginning... I am only just getting started on the path I truly wish to walk. - Hardik Pandya"

New Delhi, January 26

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya reflected on completing 10 years in international cricket, saying that it is "merely the beginning" and he is only "getting started on the path I truly wish to walk".

Hardik made his international debut against Australia in an ODI at Adelaide on the Republic Day in 2016.

Taking to Instagram, Hardik wrote, "10 years of this journey, the year I turn 33. It is one thing to play the sport I love with all my heart, and it is another to be able to serve my country through it. I love you all, thank you for everything. Thankyou god for the trials and tribulations that got me here... The chances that so many people took... The opportunity to live this life."

"This year has taught me that this is merely the beginning... I am only just getting started on the path I truly wish to walk."

Hardik also said that if he may look back at a "young Hardik running an extra few miles to get to play from Baroda - a batsman bowling extra balls in the nets to bowlers who never got to practice batting, becoming an all rounder at 19, and from getting noticed and getting rejected" - getting to play for my desh has been the most worthwhile journey for me".

"God had great plans for me when he let me debut on the 26th of January. I have become a man while playing this sport, and I will grow old playing it too," he concluded.

Since his debut, Hardik has been a contributor to India's white-ball success and has won the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy with the Men in Blue, delivering clutch performances in crucial matches over the years. His best performance came during the 2024 T20 WC in which he scored 144 runs in six innings at a strike rate of over 151 and an average of 48.00. He took 11 wickets at an average of 17.36, with best figures of 3/20. In the final, he bowled the final over and took the match-sealing wicket of David Miller, with Suryakumar Yadav pulling off a catch for ages.

In 94 ODIs, he has scored 1,904 runs in 68 innings at an average of 32.82 and a strike rate of 110.89, with 11 fifties and a best score 92*. He has also taken 91 wickets at an average of 35.50, with best figures of 4/24. In 127 T20Is, he has scored 2,027 runs at an average of 28.54, with a strike rate of over 143, with seven fifties and a best score of 71*.

In Tests, he has scored 532 runs in 18 innings at an average of 31.29, with a century and four fifties and best score of 10. He has taken 17 wickets at an average of 31.05 and best figures of 5/28 to his name.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Respect for his hard work. But honestly, we need him fit and playing more consistently, especially in Tests. His all-round ability is a rare asset for India. Hope the next 10 years have fewer injuries.
R
Rohit P
"Getting to play for my desh has been the most worthwhile journey" – This line gave me goosebumps! So proud of him. He's the ultimate big-match player for India.
S
Sarah B
His story is amazing. Turning himself from a batsman into a genuine all-rounder shows incredible dedication. Wishing him many more years of success! 🙌
V
Vikram M
K
Karthik V
Debuting on Republic Day and now reflecting after 10 years... feels symbolic. He has carried the team's balance on his shoulders so often. Here's to the next chapter, Hardik!
M
Michael C
The stats are impressive, but it's the clutch moments that define him. That wicket of Miller under immense pressure... that's champion mentality. Excited to see what's next.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50