From criticism to glory: Hardik Pandya reflects on his 360-Degree turnaround

Hardik Pandya faced a rocky start as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain, with fans voicing their discontent over his elevation to the leadership role at the cost of long-time captain Rohit Sharma. The tension was evident as MI finished at the bottom of the points table that season, with Hardik’s leadership under heavy scrutiny. However, in March 2025, Hardik has proved his critics wrong, guiding India to victory in both the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy.

In a candid interview during JioStar’s ‘Superstars,’ Hardik spoke about his redemption journey, emphasizing the importance of persistence. “It was about surviving, not necessarily winning. The key was to stay in the game and trust cricket to help me bounce back,” he reflected. He described the turnaround in his career as a “360-degree” shift, culminating in his World Cup victory and the overwhelming support he received afterward.

On MI’s 2025 auction strategy, Hardik shared insights into the team’s approach. “This year, the focus was on bringing in experienced players, especially for the bowling attack. Wankhede is a challenging venue, and we needed bowlers who could handle the high-scoring conditions and offer bounce and swing,” he explained. Hardik believes MI has built a strong squad, and now it’s up to the players to deliver.