Hardik Pandya failed to create an impact as a captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Under his leadership, the five-time champions finished the season at the bottom of the points table and became the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs race.
On a personal front, Hardik endured a disappointing campaign with both bat and ball, scoring just 216 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 143.05 without a half-century. While he managed to claim 11 wickets, it came at an average of 35.18 and an economy rate of 10.75.
Amid the tough time, several reports also claimed that all is well not well with Hardik Pandya's personal life. In fact, rumours were rife on the internet that the all-rounder and his wife Natasa Stankovic could be heading for divorce.
It all started when a user on Reddit pointed out that the couple are not posting each other on Instagram stories and also highlighted that Natasa changed her username from ‘Natasa Stankovic Pandya’ to ‘Natasa Stankovic’.
Furthermore, the user questioned Natasa’s absence from IPL 2024 matches and even mentioned that Hardik did not even post something on her birthday, which falls on March 4.
However, it seems like everything is alright as Natasa restored their wedding pictures on the photo-sharing site.
With the pictures coming back on Instagram, many netizens expressed their relief as well as delight while some felt it was Hardik’s tactic to gain sympathy following the dismal IPL 2024 season.
Here are the reactions:
Hardik Pandya smashed a rapid 40* off just 23 balls against Bangladesh in India’s only T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match in New York on June 1. He also picked up a wicket in his three overs as India won the game by 60 runs.
Speaking to Star Sports, Hardik shared his views about combating difficult times before the T20 World Cup.
“Eventually, I believe, you have to stay in the battle. Sometimes life puts you in situations where things are tough, but I believe that if you leave the game or the field, the battle that is, you won't get what you want from your sport, or the results you are looking for. So, yeah, it has been difficult, but at the same time, I have been process-driven, I have tried to follow the same routines I used to follow earlier,” Hardik said.
