ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Hardik Pandya's inspiring journey from humble beginnings to stardom
This article revisits a captivating 'rags to riches' story, shaping an inspirational cricketer and future Indian cricket team captain
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Indian cricket sensation, Hardik Pandya, has risen to prominence in just a few years, capturing the hearts of cricket enthusiasts with his explosive batting and formidable all-round skills. Today, he not only boasts an impressive cricket career but also a wealth estimated at a staggering Rs 15.50 crore, symbolising the epitome of success.
The rise of 'Kung-Fu Panda'
Known for his aggressive batting style, sharp fielding abilities, and effective medium-fast bowling, Hardik Pandya is a cricket sensation who has left an indelible mark on and off the field. His unique hairstyles, fashion sense, and penchant for luxury items have garnered as much attention as his cricketing prowess. However, there was a time when he could only dream of such luxuries.
As the IPL season approaches, let's rewind the clock and explore the captivating journey that transformed a young boy from humble beginnings into a cricketing sensation and potential national team captain.
Hardik Pandya's humble roots
Hardik Pandya hails from a family that was reasonably well-off. His father, Himanshu Pandya, owned a small car finance business. A cricket enthusiast himself, Himanshu recognised the hidden cricketing talents in his two sons and encouraged them to pursue a serious sporting career. To support their training, he made the crucial decision to shut down his business and relocate the family to Vadodara.
Life was on an upward trajectory until a sudden financial crisis hit the Pandya family, pushing them to the brink. It was during this challenging period that Hardik Pandya's unyielding "never say die" attitude was forged.
The rock bottom
To make ends meet in Vadodara, Hardik's father took on odd jobs, but the financial situation remained dire. Tragedy struck when his father suffered two heart attacks in a single night, followed by another six months later. These health crises plunged the family into fear and financial turmoil, and the prospect of losing their father haunted the Pandya brothers.
For three long years, Hardik and his brother Krunal endured the hardships, often struggling to scrape together a mere Rs 5-10. They spent their days on the cricket field, participating in various tournaments, all in the relentless pursuit of providing for their family.
The glorious comeback
Their unwavering determination and ceaseless dedication to cricket eventually paid off. In 2015, Hardik Pandya was chosen to represent the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, marking a turning point in his life. At the end of the season, he received a paycheck of Rs 50 lakh, a monumental shift in his personal fortunes. In just three months, he had gone from struggling to put food on the table to having Rs 50 lakh in his bank account.
Hardik once confessed that with this newfound wealth, he was able to settle his car loan, a vehicle he and his brother had concealed from the bank due to their inability to pay the EMIs.
The valuable cricketer
Today, Hardik Pandya, the captain of the Gujarat Titans, who led the franchise to victory in the previous IPL season, commands an estimated net worth of Rs 91 crore. He earns Rs 20 lakh for every ODI match, Rs 30 lakh per test match, and Rs 15 lakh for each T20 match he plays.
Hardik Pandya's journey from adversity to affluence serves as a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience. He embodies the idea that with talent, hard work, and an unshakable spirit, anyone can rise from humble beginnings to reach the pinnacle of success.
Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: List of all confirmed squads out, check list