Dad's the word! How Hardik Pandya used to fall 'sick'

19 February,2017 12:55 PM IST |   |  Subodh Mayure

It's indeed a proud moment for any parent to see their son shine. India all-rounder Hardik Pandya's father Himanshu too was oozing with pride when he dropped by the Cricket Club of India's Brabourne Stadium to watch his son lead India 'A' against the mighty Australians on Saturday

Dad's the word! How Hardik Pandya used to fall 'sick'


Himanshu Pandya during the warm-up match between India 'A' and Australia at Brabourne on Saturday. Pic/SURESH KARKERA

It's indeed a proud moment for any parent to see their son shine. India all-rounder Hardik Pandya's father Himanshu too was oozing with pride when he dropped by the Cricket Club of India's Brabourne Stadium to watch his son lead India 'A' against the mighty Australians on Saturday.

First visit
This is the first time the 69-year-old is seeing his son lead a major team. Although Hardik looks to be a serious character on the field, the younger of the Pandya brothers, who studied at MK High School in Baroda, was totally the opposite in class.

Himanshu recalled how his son used to bunk classes because he didn't complete his homework. "Hardik had all plans to bunk school when he was studying in Class VIII and IX. Several times I had to provide a letter, stating that he was unwell and will not able to attend school. His teacher also once told me to change his doctor as he was frequently falling ill," Himanshu told mid-day.

Hardik, such a devil
Pandya Sr also shared an interesting anecdote about him meeting India skipper Virat Kohli who jokingly told him what a devil Hardik is. "I spoke to Kohli for around 15 minutes. Our conversation was everything, except cricket. He asked me: 'Aap Hardik ko kaise jel rahe ho? (How am I coping with Hardik?) Kitna shaitan hai.

Iss shaitan ko app kaise sambhalte ho? (He is such a devil. How do you handle such a devil?),'" the 69-year-old Pandya remarked. Himanshu revealed that Hardik started driving when he was just 13. "He used to ride a two wheeler as well, but he was very fast. I stopped giving him my Activa (bike) because he met with an accident. By nature too he is very fast and aggressive. He does not like to wait for anything. Earlier, he wanted everything quickly, but now he has sobered down. Maybe, because of added responsibilities this transition has taken place. He is a changed person now."

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