March 17, 2025: Star Indian all-rounder and Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya recently shared an inspiring message for the youngsters playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Reflecting on his own career and experiences, Pandya emphasized the importance of self-belief and mental resilience as key factors in achieving success in professional cricket.
Pandya, who faced challenges and criticism after replacing Rohit Sharma as the MI captain, has emerged as one of India’s most beloved cricketers. His journey, marked by ups and downs, saw him play a pivotal role in India’s triumphs in the T20 World Cup 2024 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025, cementing his place as a key figure in the team.
In a conversation with JioHotstar, Pandya spoke about the mental challenges young IPL players face when they first step onto the grand stage. “The young players coming into the IPL are extremely talented. My message to them is simple—believe in yourself,” he said. He acknowledged that the biggest hurdle for young cricketers is often self-doubt, and managing this aspect of the game is crucial to their success.
Pandya also shared valuable lessons from his own journey, advising players to stay balanced through both the highs and lows of their careers. “Staying neutral will allow them to maximize opportunities and seize crucial moments,” he added. He explained that while the young players’ skills are already impressive, reinforcing their belief in themselves is essential for their growth.
Reflecting on his own career, Hardik shared how resilience played a crucial role during difficult phases. He recalled how there were moments in his career where “surviving and holding my ground” was more important than winning. Pandya credited cricket as his constant ally during tough times. “For me, it has always been about never leaving the battlefield,” he said, adding that staying persistent and focused on his work helped him come out stronger when the tide turned in his favor.
Pandya’s journey saw a massive turnaround after a challenging IPL 2024, where his performance was underwhelming. But his exceptional contributions during the T20 World Cup 2024, where he scored 144 runs and picked up 11 wickets, and his key role in India’s Champions Trophy win, turned things around. “The six-month phase where we won the World Cup and the love and support I received upon returning was a complete 360-degree turnaround for me,” Pandya shared.
Hardik Pandya’s story is a testament to resilience, and he believes that with patience and perseverance, even the toughest moments can lead to success. He now looks forward to leading MI in the IPL 2025, starting with a high-stakes match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk Stadium on March 23.