All-rounder Hardik Panyda who made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in the ongoing Test match at Galle recalled his first memory after meeting the legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar. He was left completely awestruck when Sachin went up to him and greeted him for making into the Mumbai Indians squad during the 2015 season.
Pandya announced his arrival with a match winning innings of 21 of 8 deliveries which sealed a match for Mumbai against the Chennai Super Kings. He had walked out to bat with his team requiring 30 of the last 2 overs. Overall he could only manage 121 runs in 9 matches but the signs were positive for future.
Pandya recalled his first day at the Mumbai Indians camp when he was having food and Tendulkar went up to him and greeted him. He couldn’t believe his eyes and his plate started slipping from his hand.
“I was eating and I suddenly heard a hi, he tapped me and greeted me. I turned around and look at him and the plate started slipping from my hands. I kept the plate aside and went into a corner and just kept looking at him while he greeted everyone. It took me 20-25 minutes to get out of that state,” Pandya said on What the Duck with Vikram Sathaye.
The all-rounder went on to reveal that even before he made his national debut, Tendulkar had told him that with the talent he has he will definitely play for India in a year or two. India.
“As soon I went to him, he first said that you’re doing well. Then, he was like ‘I shouldn’t say this to you but I am doing so. The way you’re playing and the kind of potential and talent that you have, you’ll play for India in another one to one and a half years.
“I called up Krunal and when my family came to know that Sachin sir had said that (will debut for India in a year or so) to me, the environment was such that it didn’t matter anymore if I would play for India or no,” Pandya added.
Pandya is a very animated character on the field and doesn’t shy away from expressing his opinion. He conceded that it comes naturally to him and he doesn’t do it intentionally.
“That’s my personality, I can’t hide my expressions. Even when I am alone and something happens, it shows on my face. People think I am a drama queen, but it’s just natural to me,” Pandya signed off.