Indian cricket team all-rounder Hardik Pandya has recently been surrounded by rumors of a possible divorce from his wife, Natasa Stankovic. Speculation grew as Hardik was not seen among the first batch of Indian cricket team stars who flew to New York ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Reports suggested that he was vacationing at an undisclosed location overseas. Neither Hardik nor Natasa have commented on the rumors, but Hardik took to social media to provide an update. He posted pictures from the Indian cricket team practice session, indicating his participation in the upcoming tournament with the caption “On national duty.”
Disappointing IPL Season
Hardik Pandya’s recent IPL 2024 season was far from successful. As the newly appointed captain of the Mumbai Indians, replacing Rohit Sharma, Hardik faced immense pressure. The decision to make him captain was controversial and did not sit well with some fans. Under his leadership, the Mumbai Indians won only four matches and finished last in the competition. Hardik faced a barrage of criticism from fans and experts alike, with a section of the crowd even booing him during matches.
Coach’s Support and Future Growth
Despite the tough season, Mumbai Indians coach Mark Boucher expressed support for Hardik. In a press conference after their final game on May 17, Boucher acknowledged the challenges Hardik faced. He stated that while some of the criticism might be unwarranted, these tough times would serve as a learning experience for Hardik, helping him grow as a leader. Boucher believes that overcoming these difficulties will make Hardik a stronger and more resilient captain in the future.
T20 World Cup Selection and Vice-Captaincy
Amidst the struggles and criticism, questions arose about Hardik Pandya’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. However, the team management demonstrated their faith in him by appointing him as the vice-captain for the tournament. This decision underscores their belief in Hardik’s abilities and leadership potential despite the setbacks he faced during the IPL season.
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