No one knows the real me, says Hardik Pandya
Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya has been in news for various reasons — from reports of his link-ups with Bollywood female actors, to the number of brands that he is endorsing. Currently, recovering from an injury that he suffered from during the recently-concluded Asia Cup, the all-rounder is focusing on “getting fit”.
Hardik, who celebrated his 25th birthday in style, earlier this month, says “life is good”. “God has been kind. In the past year, whatever I achieved, I want to achieve more than that, in the coming year. I want to accomplish the goals that I set for myself, in the coming year. I am focusing on the World Cup now, and want to make sure team India wins it. It is my goal and the team’s goal as well,” he says.
Recently, a few photos from his birthday bash went viral as the young cricketer was spotted with friends from the entertainment industry, including actor Karishma Tanna. There has been speculation about Hardik’s romantic ties with actors Elli Avrram and Esha Gupta, too, in the recent months. But Hardik says the spotlight on his personal life “feels good”. He laughs and adds, “No one knows Hardik for what Hardik really is. People just love to talk and make assumptions that are usually wrong. The birthday party was a rprise for me and I wasn’t told who attendees would be. No one knows ctly what happens in my life. And eople don’t know, then I would e to keep things private. I don’t ed to tell people how I live my e. I want to keep my private life vate.”
The cricketer admits he is in love only with his new puppy. He ceived the puppy as a gift and named him Bentley. Talking about the unique name, he says, “I named him Bentley Pandya as I have always wanted a Bentley. But this Bentley is more precious than the actual car (laughs).”
Ever since Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya suffered an injury during this year’s Asia Cup, he’s been busy recovering and gearing up to get back in the game. While the Indian cricket team has been playing matches all over the world, Hardik says he is “focusing on getting fit right now”. “I want to come back as soon as possible to the game and play for my country again. Playing for India is the best thing I have done in my life and the happiest moment in my life. I want to feel the same when I come back,” he says.
Hoping for a speedy recovery, the cricketer has been spending a lot of time with his family,“I like to spend quality time with my family as often as possible. Usually I’m on the road, so whenever I get an opportunity, I make sure I spend it with my family,” says Hardik, who is also associated with EUME.
Ask him if the pressure of performing on the field gets to him and he says, “Not at all, I love the pressure. It keeps me going and motivated. The pressure helps me become a better player and a better person.”
With newer and younger cricketers like Prithvi Shaw making a good impression on the field, Hardik admits he doesn’t get insecure. “I feel very happy for them because at their age, I was nothing. I feel inspired by these younger cricketers, their confidence and their motivation. I feel overwhelmed, in fact, all of it motivates me to perform better.”
I feel very happy for them because at their age, I was nothing. I feel inspired by these younger cricketers, their confidence. It motivates me to perform better.” HARDIK PANDYA CRICKETER