'Critics will celebrate me…' - Ishan Kishan reveals how 'calm' Hardik Pandya dealt with tough times in IPL 2024

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan shared insights into Hardik Pandya's remarkable resilience and professionalism when he was facing intense public scrutiny for replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain in the IPL 2024.

Kishan revealed that Hardik faced harsh criticism and booing at various venues, including at the toss, boarding the team bus, and at the airport during the IPL 2024, and he was well aware of all these things.

Ishan Kishan hails Hardik Pandya's calm during IPL 2024 criticism

Despite the hostile treatment from the fans, Pandya remained unfazed and focused on his performance, for which Ishan credited his MI skipper’s calm and composed demeanor. The out-of-favor Indian wicketkeeper admires Pandya's ability to maintain composure and continue with his duties without showing any signs of being affected by the negative reactions.

According to Kishan, this is a hallmark of a great athlete like the Indian all-rounder. Explain Pandya's approach to handling criticism. Kishan said that the star all-rounder avoided what he couldn't control and concentrated on his performance.

The left-hander further revealed that Pandya's philosophy during tough times was to stay focused and not let external negativity impact his mindset, as the T20 World Cup 2024 winner believed that those who criticized him today would be the same ones to celebrate him in the future.

Ishan said that this attitude helped Hardik take the trolling in stride and use it as motivation to excel, and he did it in style for Team India in the recent T20 World Cup 2024, claiming his mental strength and ability to rise above adversity proved why he is one of the most resilient athletes in the world.

Hardik Pandya was used to say these people will celebrate me in the future: Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan was quoted as saying by The Indian Express: “I remember Hardik bhai saying once during the IPL, ‘jo haath mey nahi hai uske baare mey kya sochna, log bol rahe hai kyu bol rahe, wo sab control nahi kar sakte (Those things which are not in our hands, we can’t control. If I keep on thinking about what people are saying, I will lose it). The same bunch that has criticised me will celebrate me in the future and I just have to take it in a very sporting manner’.”

Furthermore, Kishan revealed that Pandya was heartbroken by his injury during the ODI World Cup 2024 but channeled his determination into the T20 World Cup 2024. The MI keeper said that Pandya’s rigorous training and unwavering work ethic showed how he was eager to make a strong comeback, which was evident in his performance during the recent mega event.

Kishan added, “He was heartbroken after he got injured during the ODI World Cup. He was really focused on the T20 World Cup. Although he never said it, the intensity with which he used to train and practise had ‘tu dekh mai karta hun’ (you see what I will do) written all over it. I’ve trained with him. He has never compromised with his work ethic and it showed during the World Cup.”