Birthday special: Hardik Pandya – Lesser known facts about the Indian all-rounder

India’s dire need for an all-rounder seemingly ended after the emergence of mercurial cricketer Hardik Pandya. A livewire in the field, Hardik Pandya caught the eyes of Indian viewers in the IPL before making it to the international circuit. Pandya’s rise to the top was short-lived, as he was marred with inconsistencies and injuries. But 2022 was the year of new beginnings for the cricketer and his newly-incepted IPL franchise Gujarat Titans. Pandya donned the leadership role, taking his side to an unprecedented maiden title in the competition, with the all-rounder being at his influential best. On Hardik Pandya’s 30th birthday, here are some of the lesser-known facts about the enigmatic cricketer.

Rise to the top from a humble background

Hardik Pandya was born in the Choryasi village of Surat in Gujarat in 1993. One of the highest earners in the game right now, Pandya spent his childhood in poverty. His father owned a small business in Surat but moved to Vadodara after noticing his son’s talent in the sport when he was just five years old.

Pandya siblings were nourished under the watchful eyes of Kiran More

Hardik and his elder brother Krunal Pandya, both of whom have represented the Indian colors, were enrolled at the Kiran More International Academy at the ages of 5 and 7, respectively, after their father recognized their enthusiasm for the game.

Hardik Pandya would’ve been a leg spinner if not for Kiran More

According to a reported story, Hardik was a leg-spinner during his early years. He turned to fast bowling only after former Indian cricketer Kiran More asked Pandya if he wanted to try fast bowling since one of his fast bowlers was missing during a match at the training facility.

Hardik’s attitude was not everyone’s cup of tea

The mercurial Indian cricketer who has had a history of being in the news for all the wrong reasons once admitted to being dropped from his state-age group team due to attitude problems. He admitted to being ‘just an expressive child who does not like to hide his emotions,’ in an interview.

A fashion icon with a love for glittering watches

While Hardik is renowned for his eye-catching abilities on the field, the stylish cricketer is also one of the most fashionable Indian players going around. His love for watches is not a secret, however, not many know the staggering worth of his watches. Often seen flaunting his wearables, Pandya’s Patek Philippe Nautilus Platinum 5711 is worth around Rs 5 crore.