'Hardik Pandya said, jo aaj gaali de rahe wahi taaliyaan bajayenge' - Ishan Kishan leaks details of private conversation

Ishan Kishan has given a peek into his Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya's mindset when the latter was going through a tough time during IPL 2024. Kishan also revealed his emotions when he saw Hardik Pandya lift the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy at the Wankhede Stadium.

Hardik Pandya played a big role in India's title win in T20 World Cup 2024. Pandya contributed with both bat and ball and didn't disappoint when the team needed him. The allrounder played the role of a finisher and the third fast bowler to perfection.

Also read: "Tough to explain in words" - Kuldeep Yadav recalls 'unreal experience' of winning T20 World Cup 2024

"Jo aaj gaali de rahe wahi taaliyaan bajayenge" - Hardik Pandya to Ishan Kishan

During an interview with The Indian Express, Ishan Kishan said that he knew from inside that Hardik was going to be India's most valuable player in the T20 World Cup. He revealed Pandya's words when he was going through tough times.

“I had a gut feeling that he was saving it all for the World Cup. I will never forget his words: ‘Ek baar performance aa jaaye fir jo aaj gaali de rahe wahi taaliyaan bajayenge (Once I will start performing, those who are abusing me will be clapping for me). This is what he told me when I was also going through a really tough time. He said ‘let people talk, we will do our best and give 100 percent to the game we love,” Kishan added.

Kishan also spoke about the time when Hardik Pandya got injured in between the ODI World Cup 2023. He also remembered Pandya's words that he would give 100 percent to the game of cricket and would never compromise on his training.

“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,” he said.

Ishan Kishan reveals Hardik Pandya's words during his tough time

Ishan Kishan also spoke about the moment when Wankhede Stadium erupted after seeing Hardik Pandya with the trophy.

“I got very emotional when he stepped out of the dressing room with the trophy and the entire Wankhede Stadium erupted. It was redemption for him,” Kishan said.

Ishan Kishan was with Hardik Pandya during most parts of his tough times. He trained with Pandya for months and both also played for Mumbai Indians together.

In the T20 World Cup 2024, Hardik Pandya scored 144 runs in 8 matches at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 151.57. Pandya was brilliant with the ball as well. He picked up 11 wickets at an average of 17.36 and an economy rate of 7.64.

Since Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from the T20I format, Hardik Pandya is likely to be India's next captain in T20Is. India have won 10 matches out of 16 T20Is under Hardik Pandya's leadership.