Hardik: The idea was to return “stronger, bigger, and better”:

 Hardik: All-rounder Hardik Pandya set his eyes on bigger ambitions after winning Player of the Match in Tuesday’s first Twenty20 International against South Africa. He is fully embracing his return and wants to savor every second that lies ahead.

When he showed his form in his first game after the Asia Cup 2025 injury, all questions about his fitness were put to rest. With a 1-16 with the ball and an undefeated 59 runs, he put on an outstanding all-around effort that helped India defeat South Africa by 101 runs in Cuttack and take a 1-0 series lead.

“You should be a rock star. The audience goes crazy when you perform for ten minutes. That has been my main source of inspiration. I always assumed that I would create lemonade when life threw me a bunch of lemons. I’ve always thought that people won’t trust me if I don’t believe in myself. In a video released by the BCCI, Hardik said, “My mindset was really about coming back stronger, bigger, and better.”

“Every time I enter, I get the impression that everyone has been anticipating this. To see me bat, they have arrived. I have done many things with grace because I have remained steadfast. I now have even more self-assurance, support, and faith in my skill set because to it. I have a lot of confidence in my abilities as a player. Injuries also put you through mental testing and cause you to question yourself a lot,” he said.

Before boldly declaring that his objective is now to chase greater goals and succeed in every chance he gets, Hardik also gave gratitude to his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, for bringing optimism into his life.

“My loved ones deserve a lot of the credit. Also deserving of special recognition is my partner. Since she came into my life, she has been the finest thing ever. Since her arrival, many wonderful things have occurred,” he said.

“I’ve also been a really genuine and honest person, which has been very beneficial to me. In my life, I don’t really sugarcoat a lot of things. The other person, other people’s opinions, or other people’s perceptions are never important. It’s always about my inner feelings. Hardik Pandya now simply wants to play the game and enjoy every moment on the field. And definitely, my life’s slogan will be “bigger and better,” he said.