Hardik Pandya speaks on battling criticisms and suspension in 2019, talks about MS Dhoni and more

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is gearing up for the 2021 ICC World T20, as he looks to deliver in all departments, especially with the bat. His performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was unsatisfactory, scoring just 127 runs in 11 innings at a sorry average of 14.11, while Mumbai Indians (MI) failed to defend the crown.

Consequently, he has been criticised of late for his unsuccessful run, while many have expressed shock at him retaining his place in the Indian side for the WT20. However, Pandya clarified how he had faced and handled criticisms in his life, especially in 2019 when the Board of Control suspended him for Cricket in India (BCCI) for making sexist remarks on national television.

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Speaking exclusively to ESPNCricinfo's The Cricket Monthly, Pandya also spoke on some topics, including the context above, as the video above indicates his reaction. He also spoke on how legendary former Indian skipper MS Dhoni shaped his career.

He admitted that he would be on his own this term since Dhoni would not be in the team anymore, while this is his first outing in an ICC tournament without him. However, he is ready to take up the challenge and deliver to his fullest, while he expects the competition to be a cracker.

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He also recalled that during the 2019 New Zealand tour, after his suspension, Dhoni asked him to come over. Despite there being no hotel rooms for Pandya, he was informed that Dhoni had decided for Pandya to sleep on his bed while Dhoni would sleep on the floor.

He remembered that Dhoni gave him the maximum support during that challenging phase while he considered Dhoni his brother. He also asserted that staying with him made him more matured and humbled.