Twitter
Advertisement

Hardik Pandya's road to redemption

With his impressive return to cricket post controversial comments, Pandya has to prove himself as a person more than as a cricketer and on that count, he is on the right path

Latest News
article-main
Hardik Pandya fields off his own bowling during the third one-day international cricket match between New Zealand and India at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on January 28, 2019.
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

"Thank you" tweeted Hardik Pandya after his winning-return to international cricket on Monday. The two-word message also had the folded hands namaste or the praying emoji, that many for long have argued is actually a high-five.

The emoji has both thumbs on the same side and thus, it stands for praying, claim faithfuls. The debate is now more or less settled even though some continue to insist on the high-five aspect. However, there cannot be any ambiguity that Pandya meant to convey gratitude to both his and Team India's fans through that popular emoticon.

Ever since Pandya, in a manner uncharacteristic of India cricketers, spoke unhinged on a TV talk show, it has been a harrowing time for the India all-rounder. There were whispers that his career is over, at worst or that he may not play the forthcoming World Cup, at best.

Both outcomes not good news for the 25-year-old with either unbridled candour or the need to up his cool quotient in the presence of a A-lister Bollywood personality.

And yet, there he was flying parallel to the lush green manicured glades of the Mount Maunganui turf and taking an improbable catch to dismiss New Zealand's dangerous Kane Williamson.

It is difficult to imagine what a 25-year-old with a promising career, superlative talent and an effervescent outlook goes through when he is subjected to intense public scrutiny coupled with fear of losing all the fame and opportunities. But when Pandya took the field against New Zealand in the third ODI on Monday, he appeared like he has aged beyond those 25 years.

There appeared a purpose in his body language and an intent to make his cricket talk for him and plead his cause. And he presented a solid case for himself.

There was that mental solitude about him. Even his every step while walking to the bowling mark was measured and prudent. Almost like he did not want to risk a misstep. He did not celebrate as jubilantly as he always does.
There was this minimalistic angle to his persona on the field when he wasn't in action. Almost as if he has adopted Marie Kondo's tips into his cricketing body language.

It is too early to attach popular phrases such as coming of age or eye-opening moment to Pandya. He has to show this level of mental solitude from now on and slowly claw his way back into collective consciousness of fans as an effective cricketer, which he always has been.

Pandya is not the eloquent type. He is not Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman or Anil Kumble, all of whom, despite their way with words, rather let their cricket talk.

Pandya's rise first as a cricketer, then as a heartthrob and poster boy has been phenomenal. Talks of his affairs with models/actors, his cool wheels, flashy attires everything made to gossip sections.

He is not of the rockstar mould but more of a Hip Hop star. Even his teammates reveal how he would talk and move around like a Jamaican reggae star.

It is now up to Pandya to once again prove himself and this time more as a person than a cricketer. If he needs inspiration, he won't get anyone better than Dravid. The former India captain said that the controversy will help the Baroda star realise his full potential. Kohli seconded Dravid after Monday's match.

Even the reaction of fans to Pandya's tweet has been encouraging. While some sound patronisingly forgiving, many have sided with the cricketer, and then there are those who can't resist a joke. But most of them are positive.

Inquiry against Pandya is still pending and his comments on TV, that are said to be sexist and misogynist, might still come back to haunt him. After cautioning people of overreaction, even Dravid said, "At no stage are you condoning their action or the behaviour".

Pandya must face the consequences of his utterances. And he has to emerge from it.

Pandya dropped out of school in the ninth grade. He believed in his cricket and alongwith his brother Krunal, has made his family famous — possibly more than even he ever imagined.

His utterances on TV has got his family into spotlight for wrong reasons. It is not difficult to assume that there is more than just cricket milling in his head now. However, his road to redemption passes through cricket grounds. And if Monday is any indication, he has started walking that road.

Koffee spillover 

  • January 8, 2019: India players Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul make “sexist” and “misogynistic” comments on TV show Koffee with Karan, hosted by Bollywood producer-director Karan Johar
  • January 9: Pandya apologises on social media after facing widespread criticism, says he got a bit carried away
  • January 9: BCCI hands the duo a show cause notice, giving it 24 hours to explain its controversial comments
  • January 10: Pandya responds to BCCI, says he is “sincerely regretful” for his comments on the show
  • January 10: The duo faces two-match suspension, COA member Vinod Rai isn’t convinced with apology, Diana Edulji seeks legal opinion
  • January 11: India captain Virat Kohli slams Pandya, Rahul, says “we definitely don’t allign with those views and those are purely individual views.”
  • January 13: BCCI suspends the duo and sends them back from Australia; Shubhman Gill, Vijay Shankar replace the two
  • January 14: The controversial pair makes unconditional apology in its reply to second show cause notice; Edulji wants a complete probe
  • January 24: COA lifts bans on Pandya and Rahul with immediate effect while the inquiry continues
  • January 28: Pandya plays in India’s third ODI against New Zealand
Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement