Sunrisers Hyderabad have discovered a promising new batting talent that aligns perfectly with their aggressive style of play. While Ishan Kishan's century in the season opener against Rajasthan Royals may have overshadowed him, Aniket Verma quickly made a name for himself with impressive performances, scoring 36 runs off 13 balls against Lucknow Super Giants and 74 runs off 41 balls against Delhi Capitals. His remarkable ability to strike the ball and clear the boundary with ease is a skill he attributes to Indian star Hardik Pandya, whose exceptional stroke play and inspiring journey have influenced Aniket since his youth.

Although this narrative has been shared numerous times over the past decade, Nita Ambani, owner of the Mumbai Indians, recently recounted the tale in an interview with News 18, detailing how the franchise discovered the Pandya brothers. "During our conversation, they revealed that for three years, their diet consisted solely of Maggi noodles due to financial constraints. Yet, I recognized in them the spirit, passion, and determination to succeed. Those two brothers were Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya," she stated.

Nine years ago, shortly after Hardik made his IPL debut and secured a place in the Indian white-ball team, Aniket's uncle, Amit, came across this story in a newspaper. He shared it with Aniket, igniting a spark within him.

"Aniket was around 14 at the time. I read the article and recounted the story to him while we were heading to his academy," Amit shared with the Times of India. "That day, I witnessed his spirit, passion, and ambition. He was eager to achieve greatness. Upon arriving at the stadium, he touched my feet and remarked, 'I complain about trivial things.' I found it amusing, but he was genuinely serious."

Aniket gifts Amit new shoes after IPL debut

Amit, a devoted supporter of the 23-year-old throughout his journey, accompanied Aniket for the initial three matches before returning to Bhopal. Prior to his departure, Aniket moved his uncle to tears by presenting him with a gift: a pair of branded sports shoes inscribed with the words, "To the world's best Chachu."

"My first job was at an automobile showroom, earning a salary of ₹3,000. At that time, he was playing in worn-out shoes. I took him to the store and purchased a pair of sports shoes for ₹1,200. I had never owned anything that costly before, but I would have done anything for him. That day, he even slept with his new shoes," Amit reminisced.

Aniket is set to compete in SRH's upcoming match against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Thursday.

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