India all-rounder Hardik Pandya on Saturday said the hard work that he put in during his time away from competitive action was rewarding and it’s the journey that was more satisfying that the recent success he has achieved. Hardik said he was aware that plenty was being spoken about him when he was out of action but he never bothered to answer his critics but focussed on working hard to make a strong comeback.
Hardik Pandya did not play competitive cricket after the T20 World Cup in 2021 until IPL 2022 as he was recovering from persistent back injuries. Questions were asked about his lengthy stint on the sidelines after he had not bowled in the IPL for Mumbai Indians in 2021 and 2020. Hardik bowled sporadically for India at the highest over the last 2 years.
However, the Baroda all-rounder made a strong comeback in IPL 2022, leading Gujarat Titans to the title in their maiden season in the T20 league. Hardik not only led from the front with the bat, scoring 484 runs but he also chipped in with the ball, alleviating concerns over his bowling form.
“A lot of things were said about me before I made a comeback. For me, it was never about giving them answers. I was proud of the process I followed, no one knows exactly what I went through during the six months off,” Hardik said.
“I got up at 5 am in the morning to make sure I trained and trained at 4 for the second time in a day to make sure I gave myself enough rest. I have slept for almost those 4 months at 9:30 pm. A lot of sacrifices were made but for me, it was the battle that I had before playing the IPL. It was satisfying to see the results.
“I knew that kind of hard work I did. In my life, I have always worked hard and not worried about the results. I have worked genuinely hard and honestly. That’s the reason I don’t get too excited when I do something special. It is not about that particular moment, it’s about the journey that kind of comes with it,” he added.
