Hardik Pandya’s efforts on Sunday were somewhat overshadowed by the genius of Virat Kohli. But his 3/30 with the ball first and then a priceless 40 off 37 balls with the bat were no less important than Kohli’s masterpiece in overcoming Pakistan’s challenge.

This year, Hardik has donned a completely new character. His kid-like enthusiasm for his big and small achievements is infectious and while all the while he seems very casual in his approach, he actually is outright serious about his game.

This Hardik is not the Hardik of old. He probably was as good a cricketer in the past as he is now, but he certainly did not have the composure and temperament which he sports now in his earlier avatar.

Last year, when he stayed away from bowling to protect his troublesome back, his relevance in the side was questioned. Was he good enough to play only as a batsman?

Such scrutiny in tough times often leaves the person with a bitter taste. But not Hardik. He has answered all those critics with his performance and an ever-present smile on his face.

So what has brought about the change? In Hardik’s words, it is the realisation that he has to enjoy his job without letting the fear of failure creep into his mind which has set him free.

“There was a time when I didn’t know what was next for Hardik. So I had to get very involved in my thought process and then questioned myself, ‘What do you want from life?’

“I have got the fear of failure out and I don’t bother about what’s going to happen and what the result is going to be, what are people going to talk, but I do respect people’s opinion,” Hardik said while interacting with the media after Sunday’s win.

Lessons in change

Does he like the new Hardik? “Yes, I can say that. I was telling Rahul Sir as well that 10 months back, when I was just entering the ground, I was very happy, smiling and excited. Rahul Sir must have thought I was over-excited for the game.

“I just told him, this is what I wanted to do till I play the sport. Enjoy the sport and contribute as much as possible and at a certain level of standard that I expect myself to play at.”

The last six-seven months have been very productive for him. Besides doing well for India, Hardik also led the Gujarat Titans to title triumph in the franchise’s maiden season.

“ The last six-seven months... but I will count the time away from the game as well where I was preparing... It was one of the best moments of my life. It taught me a lot of things and got me on a way like I would have never imagined.

“And that’s when I realised that it is time... for you to be what you want to be — playing at the highest level, being able to contribute in every game, no matter what the result would be, but being there, giving an opportunity to yourself to contribute as much as possible,” he said.

Taking a ‘bullet’

The 113-run partnership Hardik shared with Kohli on Sunday changed the course of the match. The 29-year-old was effusive in his praise for his former captain.

Hardik Pandya in conversation with Man of the Match Virat Kohli, in an image posted on Twitter on Sunday, after the T20 World Cup game against Pakistan in Melbourne. File picture

Himself a master six-hitter, Hardik was awestruck with Kohli’s two sixes off Haris Rauf in the 19th over of their chase. He feels that only Virat Kohli could have come up with those two game-changing sixes.

“I’ve hit a lot of sixes but those (from Kohli) are special, special, and really special in my heart now because of what (it) meant for both of us.

“I’ve played cricket, so much cricket, but I don’t think anyone could’ve played those two shots except Kohli,” Hardik told the BCCI website as he sat for a chat alongside Kohli.

Always a team-man, Hardik paid Kohli the ultimate tribute when he said: “The quality of relationship that I have with this group is something I cherish and always cherish. When I was coming inside (to bat), I would have taken a bullet for you (Kohli) at that point in time, I would not have let you get out at that point in time. My goal was simple: to do whatever I can to make your life easy.”

That’s the new Hardik. Heroic, but humble.