Ready For Anything

ONE OF INDIA’S MOST RECOGNISABLE CRICKETERS, HARDIK PANDYA IS A STYLISH PLAYER. MAXIM MEETS THE MAN BEHIND THE ’DO.

- Meher Bajwa

If you had to describe your playing style in one word, what would it be.

Confident.

Why do you say that?

My style of play is usually dependent on the match situation. I am very confident of my game style and the choice of shots I play at various stages of the game. I don’t believe in having a “natural game”—my game totally depends on the match situation.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Let’s try and predict the future.

I don’t like over-thinking and predicting the future. My next target is always the next game and next series—whether it’s a Test, ODI or T20.

That’s a good way to be, we think. What’s it like to play professional cricket with your brother? Any sibling rivalry there?

My brother is my pillar of strength. He is playing great as well, and I wish to see him don the Indian colours soon. There is no rivalry among us. We are a source of strength and inspiration for each other.

You obviously keep very fit. What does your training schedule look like?