MS Dhoni wanted me to learn from mistakes, gave me a lot of freedom: Hardik Pandya

Numerous cricketers owe their success to former Indian captain MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya also belongs to that category. The all-rounder made his international debut under Dhoni in 2016 and went onto become a vital part of the side across formats. Although fitness issues have troubled him throughout his career, the Baroda-born cricket has shown his abilities as a three-dimensional player.

Speaking of Dhoni’s impact on his career, the 28-year-old said he has learnt a lot from the former Indian skipper. He also said Dhoni doesn’t interfere too much and wants young players to learn from their mistakes.

Pandya also recalled his T20I debut against Australia, where he bowled a horrendous first over. The right-arm pacer gave away 19 runs in his first over in international cricket and thought, his career is over. However, Dhoni trusted him and Pandya is grateful for the same.

MS Dhoni gave me a lot of freedom: Hardik Pandya

“I have learnt a lot from everyone and especially Mahi bhai because when I went there (Indian team), I was a raw material. The way he groomed me, the way he gave me a lot of freedom. He wanted me to learn from my own mistakes,” Pandya told veteran journalist Boria Majumdar on his show Backstage with Boria.

“When I came there, I was like ‘Mahendra Singh Dhoni will look after everything.’ At that time, I thought why he’s not saying a lot of things. I thought he’ll tell me to bowl here or bowl there. Later, I realized he wanted me to learn on my own so, I can survive more,” added the all-rounder.

Recalling his international debut, Pandya said: “I remember giving 22 or 24 runs (19) in my first over on (T20I) debut and I genuinely thought it’s my first and last game. So, when he asked me to bowl the second over, I thought he’s referring to someone else. Then I went and obviously, things changed. So, what I learnt from him is that he never showed he’s there but he was always there.”

Meanwhile, the all-rounder has been out of action since a while due to fitness issues. However, he now must gear up for a different challenge as he’s set to lead the Ahemdabad-based team in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).