Hardik Pandya once again showed why his impact goes beyond the cricket field, this time with a heartwarming gesture towards the grounds of the Wankhede Stadium. The World Cup-winning T20 all-rounder fulfilled a promise he made a month ago and took time out to honor the foundations with donations and financial help.
The Mumbai Indians captain has been spending long nights training at the venue ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, with his training often going beyond normal hours. During this phase, the groundsmen provided him round-the-clock access and support, which Hardik acknowledged and promised to repay.
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On Thursday, he did just that. Hardik congratulated the staff at Wankhede, giving away gifts and financial incentives as a token of appreciation for their efforts.
The hard work, his and theirs, paid off in the end. India successfully defended their T20 World Cup title by beating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final in Ahmedabad. Hardik played a key role throughout the campaign, contributing with both bat and ball to another memorable triumph.
Winning the title also made him a two-time T20 World Cup champion who was also part of the winning team in 2024. But it was this off-field moment that stood out and cemented his reputation as someone who values the people working behind the scenes.
Hardik’s act was not a one-off. Over the years, he has consistently shown support for teammates, fans and people around the game, often in ways that don’t always make headlines.
HOW HARDIK GETS HEART OFF THE FIELD
His influence off the field also extends to his teammates. In a podcast with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, Indian batsman Jitesh Sharma revealed how Hardik reached out to him at a difficult time.
“Hardik bhai was the first to message me when I was not selected for the World Cup,” said Jitesh. “He advised me to keep growing as a person and as a cricketer. A lot of cricketers wrote to me.”
Jitesh also spoke about Hardik’s generosity and approachability, recalling how the versatile man often reaches out to others.
“Hardik Pandya is the most helpful person I have met. I have not met anyone who gives more bats to kids than him, even without being asked. He even gave me one once,” he added.
For Hardik, it wasn’t just about a gesture, it was about following through on something he said during those long training nights at the Wankhede. The same people who had stayed over hours to help him get ready were now being recognized in a very real way.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
March 27, 2026 12:49 PM IST
