Hardik Pandya is like a diamond that shines after being continuously rubbed: Navjot Singh Sidhu

Hardik Pandya has been going through probably the toughest phase of his cricketing career. He was traded in by Mumbai Indians for a record deal ahead of the IPL 2024. But the all-rounder displayed a dismal show with the bat as well as the ball. His captaincy was intensely scrutinised as MI ended up in the last position failing even to win half of the league games. 

As things stand out, he is named as the vice-captain of the Indian side for the T20 World Cup 2024. After getting thrashed by the fans online post replacing Rohit Sharma as captain, he has an opportunity to redeem himself. Former India cricketer, Navjot Singh Sidhu has backed Pandya to revert back to trollers in style and compared him to be tough as a diamond.

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"There were many question marks over Hardik Pandya and they have been erased. The more you try to put Hardik Pandya down, the more he emerges and shines, just like a diamond shines after being continuously rubbed. Hardik Pandya is a great takeaway," Sidhu said on Star Sports.

I believe you have to stay in the battle: Pandya

The Baroda all-rounder is the most sought-after player in Indian cricket. After he made his debut for India, the management has not looked for another all-rounding option. He successfully led the Gujarat Titans to their first IPL title in 2022 in his maiden captaincy stint. But there are some facets that miss the public eye. Pandya revealed his struggling period throughout the year and detailed his mindset.

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“Eventually, I believe, you have to stay in the battle. Sometimes life puts you in situations where things are tough, but I believe that if you leave the game or the field, the battle that is, you won't get what you want from your sport or the results you are looking for,” said Pandya.