Hardik credited the MI scouting system for identifying his potential early in his career.
Pandya made his First-Class debut for Baroda in 2013 and was signed by Mumbai Indians (MI) for his base price of ₹10 lakh ahead of the IPL 2015 season. He made an immediate impact, contributing to MI's second IPL title win that same year.
Hardik’s brilliance in the IPL earned him maiden India call-up in January 2016. Since then, he hasn’t looked back, playing decisive roles in India’s back-to-back T20 World Cup triumphs (2024 and 2026) and Champions Trophy win last year.
“I was just a pure batter who batted all his 17-19 years of young age… I only knew one thing, if you tell people to run 12 rounds, I ran 15 rounds. So from there out of the blue, someone sees me and one year later I play Ranji Trophy," Hardik said while speaking at an MI promotional event.
The 32-year-old credited the MI scouting system for identifying his potential early in his career, while also emphasizing the importance of relentless work ethic and self-improvement.
“Playing a Ranji game, they haven’t come to see me but they were able to identify that I had something special. That shows the talent MI scouting has, that is what MI scouting does."
“I had to adapt, I had no idea how to look after my body, I had no idea. No matter how much someone will push, I know how to work hard… Duniya upar se neeche ho jaye (Even if the world turns upside down) I always believed in hard work. I always tell this to the youngsters," Hardik stated.
MI are looking to win a record-breaking sixth title to move ahead of their rivals, CSK, who also have five titles. Under Hardik Pandya, the franchise has endured a mix run in the last couple of seasons, with high hopes that their 2026 squad can break the title drought.
“Ultimate dream is to win IPL for the sixth time for our Paltan. MI already has such amazing legacy… MI fans are the team’s heartbeat. The junoon, the passion when I first played, I want that.
“Play the best kind of cricket that MI and Hardik Pandya have ever played, that’s the legacy I want to be for MI and win trophies as many as possible," he said.
Pandya also addressed the absence of five stars on MI’s jersey, stating that the team plans to win so many championships that there would eventually be no space left on the jersey.
“Honest answer is we want to win as many possible. Fortunate that we’ve won five already so if we keep on putting it then there would not be any space left."
Talking about his bond with the franchise’s supporters, Hardik remarked: “I play for this love, the kind of love I get every time I play here is the added motivation. We’re very grateful to them."
Mumbai Indians will open their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29.