It was about surviving, not winning: MI captain Hardik on IPL 2024
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 was a season to forget for many teams, including the mighty Mumbai Indians. The defending champions suffered a disastrous campaign, finishing at the bottom of the table with just six wins from 14 matches. The team’s struggles on the field were compounded by off-field issues, including the departure of their captain, Rohit Sharma, and the subsequent booing of the new captain, Hardik Pandya, by the crowd.
In a recent interview, Hardik Pandya reflected on his experience as the captain of Mumbai Indians during IPL 2024, revealing that his primary focus was on surviving the season rather than winning. The all-rounder, who has been a key player for the Indian national team, admitted that the pressure of captaincy and the team’s poor performance took a toll on him.
“For me, it was about surviving, maybe not winning,” Hardik said. “I realised how everything was panning out, that cricket would be my best friend, and it’d get me out of it. I kept pushing and pushing.”
Hardik’s comments may come as a surprise to many, given his reputation as a hard-hitting all-rounder who is known for his aggressive nature on the field. However, the 29-year-old has been open about his struggles with mental health in the past, and it appears that the pressure of captaincy during IPL 2024 took a significant toll on his well-being.
Despite his struggles, Hardik remained committed to his team and continued to work hard, even when the results didn’t go their way. His dedication and perseverance were evident in his performances on the field, where he managed to score 225 runs and take 11 wickets in 14 matches.
Hardik’s admission that his primary focus was on surviving the season rather than winning is a testament to his resilience and determination. It’s clear that he was under immense pressure to perform and lead his team to success, but he refused to give up, even when things looked bleak.
The fact that Hardik was booed by the crowd during IPL 2024 only adds to his remarkable story. Despite being a key player for the Indian national team, he was subjected to harsh criticism from the fans, who were frustrated with the team’s poor performance. However, Hardik’s response to the criticism was to focus on his game and work even harder to improve.
Hardik’s comments also shed light on the mental struggles that many cricketers face during the IPL. The tournament is known for its intense pressure and scrutiny, and it’s not uncommon for players to struggle with their mental health during the season. Hardik’s admission that he relied on his cricket skills to get him through the tough times is a reminder that even professional athletes can struggle with their mental well-being.
As the Indian cricket team prepares for the upcoming IPL 2025, Hardik’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental toughness and resilience. While the team will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing performance in IPL 2024, Hardik’s admission that it was about surviving rather than winning is a timely reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.
In conclusion, Hardik Pandya’s comments on IPL 2024 serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental toughness and resilience in cricket. Despite facing immense pressure and criticism, Hardik remained committed to his team and continued to work hard, even when the results didn’t go their way. As the Indian cricket team prepares for the upcoming IPL 2025, Hardik’s story is a timely reminder of the challenges that lie ahead, and the importance of staying focused and committed to one’s goals.
