Hardik Pandya’s bold claim after comeback in Cuttack: ‘The crowd came to watch me bat’

Hardik Pandya won POTM award for his performance in Cuttack. (Photo: BCCI)

Hardik Pandya dispelled any concerns over his fitness with a great performance in his comeback game after his injury during the 2025 Asia Cup. In Cuttack, he took 1/16 with the ball after smashing an undefeated 59 to help India defeat South Africa by 101 runs and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

India has always benefited greatly from Hardik's presence. Everyone was looking forward to Hardik's fitness and injury-free return to action with the T20 World Cup just a few months away, and he did not let the fans down on Tuesday night.

Hardik, who was named Player of the Match after the game, set his sights on more ambitious objectives. Hardik is relishing every second of his comeback and wants to savor every second of what lies ahead of him. Hardik, a two-time ICC trophy winner, talked about his injury-related time away from the game and how he views himself now that he's prepared and eager to play.

“You should be a rockstar, come perform for 10 minutes, and the crowd goes berserk. That has been the biggest motivation for me. Life has always thrown a lot of lemons at me, and I always thought that I would make lemonade. I’ve always believed that if I don’t believe in myself, how will others believe me? My mindset was really about coming back stronger, bigger and better,” Hardik said in a video uploaded by the BCCI.

'If you do not believe in yourself, how would others believe in you' Ft. Hardik Pandya#TeamIndia | #INDvSA | @hardikpandya7 | @IDFCFIRSTBankhttps://t.co/IL8QRCFaeq

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— BCCI (@BCCI) December 10, 2025

“Every time that I walk in, I feel like the crowd has been waiting for this moment. They’ve come to watch me bat. Because I have been strong, I have accomplished many things with ease. That has helped me in becoming more confident, back myself, and really trust my skillset. I really believe in myself as a player. Injuries test you mentally as well, and at the same time, it puts you in a lot of doubt.”

Speaking about Mahieka Sharma, his girlfriend, Hardik gave her credit for bringing positivity into his life. Then, using the third person to refer to himself, Hardik confidently stated that his aim going forward is to attain greater goals while seizing every chance.

“Special mention to my partner as well. She’s been nothing but best to me since she entered my life. A lot of great things have happened since she’s arrived,” he said. “Now it’s time where Hardik Pandya just wants to play the sport and enjoy every second on the ground. And yes, bigger and better will be the motto in my life.”