Hardik Pandya Biography: A Journey of Struggles to Stardom
Hardik Pandya, the dynamic Indian all-rounder, has carved a niche for himself with his aggressive batting and reliable fast-medium bowling. Born on October 11, 1993, in Surat, Gujarat, as Hardik Himanshu Pandya, he has become a vital asset to the Indian cricket team. This article delves into the life and career of Hardik Pandya, exploring his early days, domestic and international cricket achievements, controversies, personal life, and his rise to becoming one of the world’s best all-rounders.
Hardik Pandya’s Biography and Family Information:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hardik Himanshu Pandya |
| Nickname | Kungfu Pandya |
| Date of Birth | 11 October 1993 |
| Birthplace | Surat, Gujarat |
| Age | 30 years |
| Father’s Name | Himanshu Pandya |
| Mother’s Name | Nalini Pandya |
| Brother’s Name | Krunal Pandya |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife’s Name | Natasha Stankovic |
| Son’s Name | Agastya Pandya |
| Looks | |
| Complexion | Dark |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches |
| Weight | 68 kg |
Hardik Pandya Birth and Family:
Hardik Pandya hails from a middle-class family in Surat. His father, Himanshu Pandya, worked in car insurance, while his mother, Nalini Pandya, took care of the household. Hardik’s elder brother, Krunal Pandya, is also a cricketer who has represented the Indian cricket team. The family faced financial challenges, leading to a shift from Surat to Baroda when Hardik was just five years old.
Hardik’s cricketing journey is indebted to his father’s passion for the game. Himanshu Pandya’s influence and dedication played a pivotal role in shaping both Hardik and Krunal as cricketers. In January 2020, Hardik tied the knot with Serbian Indian actress Natasa Stankovic, and the couple has a son named Agastya.
Hardik Pandya Education and Early Career:
Hardik Pandya’s early life was marked by financial struggles. Despite facing hardships, his passion for cricket remained unwavering. He joined the Kiran More Cricket Academy at the age of five, laying the foundation for his cricketing career. His initial education at MK High School, Baroda, saw him complete only until the 9th grade before he decided to focus solely on cricket.
Hardik Pandya Domestic Cricket Career:
Hardik Pandya embarked on his domestic cricket journey with the Baroda cricket team in 2013. His remarkable performance in the 2013–14 season, including a significant contribution to Baroda’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win, marked the beginning of his rise. Notably, he made his List A debut in 2014, showcasing his prowess with a brilliant inning of 69 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Hardik Pandya IPL Career:
Hardik Pandya’s entry into the Indian Premier League (IPL) came in 2015 when the Mumbai Indians secured him at the base price of Rs 10 lakh. Although his debut season didn’t showcase his full potential, subsequent years saw him evolving into a key player. From 2015 to 2021, Pandya played a crucial role for Mumbai Indians. In the 2022 IPL auction, Gujarat Titans acquired him for a whopping Rs 15 crore, making him the team’s captain. Under his leadership, the Titans clinched the IPL title in 2022 and reached the final in 2023.
Hardik Pandya International Cricket Career:
Hardik Pandya’s international journey began in T20 cricket at the age of 22, making his debut against Australia in 2016. His aggressive style and impactful performances soon earned him a place in ODIs and Tests. Notably, he became the first Indian batsman to score a Test century before lunch in 2017.
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Hardik Pandya Career Summary:
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | Centuries | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 11 | 18 | 532 | 108 | 31.29 | 73.89 | 1 | 4 |
| ODI | 86 | 61 | 1769 | 92 | 34.02 | 110.36 | 0 | 11 |
| T20 | 92 | 71 | 1348 | 71 | 25.43 | 139.83 | 0 | 3 |
| IPL | 123 | 115 | 2309 | 91 | 30.38 | 145.86 | 0 | 10 |
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Average | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 11 | 19 | 528 | 17 | 3.38 | 31.06 | 5/28 |
| ODI | 86 | 80 | 2960 | 84 | 5.55 | 35.24 | 4/24 |
| T20 | 92 | 81 | 1950 | 73 | 8.16 | 26.71 | 4/16 |
| IPL | 123 | 81 | 1763 | 53 | 8.8 | 33.26 | 3/17 |
Hardik Pandya Records and Achievements:
Hardik Pandya boasts several notable records, including being the fourth Indian to be selected Player of the Match on ODI debut, scoring the most runs (26 runs) in one over of a Test innings for India, and being the fastest all-rounder to achieve the double of 1000 runs and 50 wickets in ODIs.
Hardik Pandya Likes, Dislikes, and Awards:
Hardik’s favorites include cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh, actor Akshay Kumar, actress Alia Bhatt, the movie Superman, and Gujarati food. He received prestigious awards like the Arjuna Award in 2019 and the ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2021.
Hardik Pandya Personal Life:
Hardik Pandya’s personal life, particularly his love affairs, has been a subject of interest. Before marrying Natasa Stankovic, he was linked with Kolkata model Lisha Sharma, Bollywood actress Esha Gupta, actress Elli Avram, Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra, and actress Urvashi Rautela.
Hardik Pandya Controversies:
Hardik Pandya faced controversies, notably during his appearance on ‘Koffee with Karan,’ where he made controversial and sexual remarks. He was suspended by BCCI and issued an apology. Additionally, he faced racist allegations during a cricket match, resulting in a temporary ban.
Hardik Pandya Net Worth:
Hardik Pandya’s success has translated into a substantial net worth of around Rs 91 crore. His annual income, driven by BCCI and IPL contracts, is approximately Rs 15 crore. He also earns significantly from brand endorsements. Pandya’s luxurious lifestyle is reflected in his car collection, including a Rolls Royce, Lamborghini Huracan EVO, Audi A6, Range Rover Vogue, and more.
Hardik Pandya Brand Endorsements:
- Dream11
- Boat
- Oppo
- Monster Energy
- Hala Play
- Gulf Oil
- Star Sports
- Gillette
- Zaggle
- Without Denim
Hardik Pandya Car Collection:
- Rolls Royce
- Lamborghini Huracan EVO
- Audi A6
- Range Rover Vogue
- Jeep Compass
- Mercedes G-Wagon
- Porsche Cayenne
- Toyota Etios
Hardik Pandya Watch Collection:
- Patek Philippe Nautilus Platinum 5711 (Rs 5 crore)
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual Daytona Cosmograph and Patek Philippe Nautilus Time Travel Chronograph (Rs 2.2 crore each)
- Richard Mille RM 11-03 (Rs 87 lakh)
- Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph (Rs 65 lakh)
- Rolex Daytona Stainless Steel (Rs 10 lakh)
Interesting Facts About Hardik Pandya:
- Hardik Pandya’s father shifted the family to Baroda when he was just 5 years old.
- Hardik failed in the 9th class but focused entirely on his cricket career.
- Until the age of 18, he played as a leg spinner before transitioning to fast bowling.
- He used to play cricket for money in Gujarat villages, earning Rs 400 per match.
- Hardik and Krunal Pandya had a pocket money of only Rs 10, surviving on Maggi.
- In IPL 2019, he scored the fastest half-century in 17 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders.
- Batting at the eighth position, he is the first Indian batsman to score a century in 86 balls in a Test.
- Hardik Pandya earlier wore jersey number 228 but later changed it to 33.
- Before marriage, he had affairs with 3 to 4 actresses.
Hardik Pandya Last 10 Innings:
| Match Format | Batting | Bowling | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI vs Bangladesh | 0/8 | N/A | 19 October 2023 |
| ODI vs Pakistan | 2/34 | N/A | 14 October 2023 |
| ODI vs Afghanistan | 2/43 | N/A | 11 October 2023 |
| ODI vs Australia | 11* | 1/28 | 08 October 2023 |
| ODI vs England | – | – | 30 September 2023 |
| ODI vs Sri Lanka | – | 3/3 | 17 September 2023 |
| ODI vs Sri Lanka | 5 | 1/14 | 12 September 2023 |
| ODI vs Pakistan | – | 1/17 | 10 September 2023 |
| ODI vs Nepal | 87 | 0/6 | 04 September 2023 |
| ODI vs Pakistan | – | – | 02 September 2023 |
Conclusion:
Hardik Pandya’s journey from a challenging childhood to cricketing stardom exemplifies determination and talent. As a key player for Team India and captain of the Gujarat Titans, he continues to make significant contributions to Indian cricket. Beyond the controversies, his story is one of resilience, success, and an unwavering passion for the sport. Hope that you like Hardik Pandya Biography.
When and where was Hardik Pandya born?
Hardik Pandya was born on October 11, 1993, in Surat, Gujarat, India.
What is Hardik Pandya’s playing style?
Hardik Pandya is an aggressive right-handed batsman and a right-arm fast-medium bowler, known for his dynamic all-round abilities.
Which IPL team did Hardik Pandya play for before joining Gujarat Titans?
Hardik Pandya played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL before joining Gujarat Titans.
How did Hardik Pandya start his cricketing journey?
Hardik Pandya started playing cricket at Kiran More Cricket Academy at the age of five, guided by his father’s passion for the game.
What is the significance of Hardik Pandya’s performance in the 2016 IPL?
In the 2016 IPL, Hardik Pandya scored the fastest half-century in 17 balls, showcasing his explosive batting skills.
Who is Hardik Pandya’s wife, and when did they get married?
Hardik Pandya is married to Serbian Indian actress Natasa Stankovic. They had a court marriage on May 31, 2020, and a traditional Hindu and Christian ceremony in February 2023.
What controversies has Hardik Pandya faced in his cricket career?
Hardik Pandya faced controversies, including inappropriate remarks on ‘Koffee with Karan’ and racist allegations during a cricket match.
What is Hardik Pandya’s net worth and main sources of income?
Hardik Pandya’s net worth is around Rs 91 crore, with the main sources being BCCI and IPL contracts, along with brand endorsements.
Which awards has Hardik Pandya received for his cricketing achievements?
Hardik Pandya has received awards like the Arjuna Award in 2019, ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2021, and the BCCI Polly Umrigar Award in 2018–19.
What is notable about Hardik Pandya’s record in Test cricket?
Hardik Pandya is the first Indian batsman to score a Test century before lunch, achieving this feat against Sri Lanka on July 26, 2017.
Is Hardik Pandya ruled out of IPL 2024?
The situation regarding Hardik Pandya’s participation in IPL 2024 is a bit unclear and conflicting information has been circulating.