MUMBAI: The cricket fraternity admits today. Hardik Pandya As one of the best white-ball all-rounders in the game, but when Mumbai Indians First saw him in domestic cricket, he was just a hard-working young man from Baroda, who only knew how to bat. Recounting his journey in a fireside chat with the MI batting coach. Kieron Pollard During the ‘MI MIX’ fan event at the Jio World Garden on Sunday, Pandya said his rise was due to hard work and MI’s fast scouting system.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Recalling his early days in domestic cricket, Pandya said, “Before playing for Mumbai Indians, I was just a pure batsman from 17-19. The only thing I knew was hard work – if someone asked me to play 12 overs, I would score 15 runs”.A turning point came during one Ranji Trophy match when MI scouts spotted him – almost by chance. “I was playing a Ranji game, and the scouts didn’t even come to see me. That’s the beauty of Mumbai Indians’ scouting system. They recognized something special even when they weren’t there specifically for me. It shows the strength of their system,” he said.Pandya joined MI as a young prospect in 2015 and gradually transformed himself into a match-winning all-rounder. The 32-year-old admitted that the transition from a pure batsman to an all-rounder was not easy and required him to adapt significantly, especially in terms of fitness and body management.“I needed to adapt,” he said, stressing discipline on young cricketers. I had no idea what it took to take care of my body or become an all-rounder.Now set to lead Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026 for the third year in a row, Pandya made his ambitions clear – to win a sixth. Indian Premier League (IPL) title for the franchise.“My ultimate dream is to win the IPL for the sixth time for MI. The franchise already has an amazing legacy, but I want us to play the best cricket Mumbai Indians have ever done and win as many trophies as possible,” he said to loud cheers from the fans, who he praised for their unconditional support in good times and bad.Pollard, who has watched Pandya’s journey closely, credited him for inspiring the next generation of players at MI. “The bravery and youthful exuberance of the young players excites me. When Hardik comes into the set-up, works hard and produces results on the field, the next generation is watching and coming in fearless – that’s what Mumbai Indians are,” said Pollard.
