Hardik Pandya and Ashish Nehra have relished their time together on the field. The memories of IPL 2022 and 2023, when this former coach-captain duo guided the Gujarat Titans to the finals—securing victory in one season and finishing as runners-up the next—are unforgettable. Since then, a strong friendship has developed between Hardik and Nehra. When Hardik made the decision to return to the Mumbai Indians, the franchise where his career began, Nehra was supportive and understanding, never attempting to dissuade him. However, last year, Hardik's return to MI did not yield the desired results, as the team ended up at the bottom of the standings under his leadership, leading to widespread criticism directed at him. Despite this, Nehra remained a steadfast supporter.

It seemed that Pandya had absorbed valuable insights from Nehra as he engaged in conversation with Ashwani Kumar, the standout player for the Mumbai Indians in their recent match. The left-arm pacer achieved remarkable figures of 4/24, earning the Player of the Match title on his debut and contributing to MI's first victory in IPL 2025. Ashwani claimed key wickets, including those of Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell, as MI triumphed over KKR by 8 wickets. However, Hardik reminded him that past achievements should not overshadow the present.

"Be thoroughly prepared. Invest all your effort and adhere to the strategy. Approach each game with anticipation. I enter every match without expectations; my focus is on executing my preparations. Why did you achieve success? Because you adhered to your plans and maintained the correct line and length. Stick to your strategy, and the outcomes will follow. Even if you bowl well, a favorable result is not guaranteed. What more can I do? Therefore, it is essential to find a balance. You should neither rise too high nor fall too low; instead, remain steady," Hardik advised the young player when asked about his mindset before a match.

Watch the video below:

Hardik Pandya's pep talk to Ashwani Kumar

As the captain, Hardik's willingness to engage with one of the younger members of his team reflects a significant positive shift in the team culture, an area that faced considerable scrutiny last year within the Mumbai Indians. He emphasized the necessity of overcoming self-doubt, especially since the opposing team is eager to undermine his confidence. Drawing from his extensive experience with MI and the Indian national team, Hardik aimed to instill in Ashwin the understanding that even with his best efforts, the desired outcomes may not always materialize. However, the crucial aspect is to persist without being affected by the results.

"One thing you must avoid is self-doubt. You are here because of your talent. If you don’t see yourself as the best, remember that there are already 15-20 individuals—fans and support staff—who are against you. This mindset will hinder your chances. Focus on bowling accurately, and if you get hit, it’s not the end of the world. In this sport, consistent success is not guaranteed. However, striving for good results is essential. What does that opportunity look like? Your mindset must be prepared. That preparation opens the door to potential success. Remember, hard work does not ensure success," Hardik stated.

"The discipline you demonstrate during practice should also be evident in matches. After years of playing, I approach each session with a clear purpose. Once I achieve my goals, I observe the reactions without showing off during the game. Stay composed and challenge yourself daily to improve at every level. Remain humble."

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