No surprise to see Hardik Pandya flourish on the big stage: Sanjay Manjrekar

It would be safe to say that Indian all rounder Hardik Pandya has had a turbulent year with ups and downs. From being booed during the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Mumbai Indians finishing at the bottom of the points table to later dealing with rumours of divorce, he has had to bear it all. His sturdy performance in the World Cup however played a crucial role in India's victory hence serving as a redemption arc for him. 

Former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar had asked the crowd to behave when he was booed at the Wankhede Stadium. Manjrekar was happy for Hardik Pandya at his triumph. “What a turnaround for Hardik Pandya. In IPL, there were people jeering him and booing him and I told them to behave because this is a big-stage player. We have seen that umpteen times, wickets of Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller and right at the end, Rabada, so he was a champion and no surprise to see him flourish on the big stage,” Sanjay said in an interaction ESPNCricinfo. 

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Pandya was reduced to tears after India successfully defeated South Africa. He defended 16 runs off the final over to hand India a 7-run victory. He also played a crucial role in the 2022 T-20 Semi Final which India eventually lost. “Even in that semifinal against England, he came in and gave India some hope with 60 off 33. So that's what he is all about. You felt safe when he came to bowl in the last over, he was not going to lose his nerves, he was going to bowl sensibly,” Sanjay added.