Hardik Pandya’s redemption arc awaits in UAE after vice-captaincy snub

In Dubai, where the lights shine brightest, Hardik Pandya’s career once dimmed to its darkest. The 2018 Asia Cup injury left the Indian all-rounder broken, his future uncertain. Now, the same venue offers a chance for redemption — a stage where Pandya could rise again to reclaim his place among cricket’s elite.”

Pandya’s journey from despair to hope has been anything but easy. Once hailed as India’s answer to Kapil Dev, his career teetered on the brink after a career-threatening back injury. But the gritty all-rounder refused to bow out. From leading Gujarat Titans to Indian Premier League (IPL) glory in their debut season to his T20 World Cup heroics, Pandya has proven time and again that he thrives under pressure. Now, as the Champions Trophy looms, Dubai becomes the setting for his latest challenge.

Pandya modelled his captaincy on his icon, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and even guided Gujarat Titans to back-to-back IPL finals, lifting the trophy in 2022. But his return to Mumbai Indians as skipper in 2024 was far from ideal. IPL 17 proved disastrous for the star all-rounder, marking a stark reversal of fortunes.

For a player once touted as India’s next white-ball captain, his leadership credentials took a hit. Despite a stellar last-over performance in the T20 World Cup final, where he helped India lift their second title, Pandya was soon sidelined. The retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at the end of that tournament didn’t usher in a new chapter for Pandya as expected. Instead, he was overlooked for the T20 captaincy and vice-captaincy, with selectors citing concerns about his injury management.

India’s campaign in the Champions Trophy will hinge heavily on Pandya’s contributions, particularly with bat and ball. Coming late in the order, Pandya’s ability to adapt his game will be crucial, and his bowling combinations could provide India the balance they need.

Suresh Raina, speaking on Star Sports Press Room, emphasised Pandya’s importance. “Arshdeep Singh will be crucial alongside Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah will be lethal against batters,” Raina said. “But the most important role will be Hardik Pandya’s — when he bowls and whether he bowls in tandem with Kuldeep Yadav. The combination matters. If it is Hardik and Axar, the batting depth increases, which is advantageous.”

Kamran Akmal echoed this sentiment, calling Pandya the “right balance” India needs.

Despite being passed over for leadership roles, Pandya appears to have the backing of Gautam Gambhir. Reports suggest that Gambhir advocated for Pandya’s vice-captaincy role during selection discussions and had an extended conversation with the all-rounder ahead of the T20 series against England.

However, Jasprit Bumrah, another player with injury concerns, has been touted as the next Indian skipper. With leadership seemingly out of reach for now, Pandya’s focus will likely shift entirely to making an impact on the field and rightfully reclaim his position as the leader of the pack in white-ball cricket.

Dubai holds special significance for Pandya — not just as the site of his lowest moment but as a venue that now offers a chance for his resurgence. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon and the world watching, the stage is set for the Indian all-rounder to remind everyone why he is indispensable to Team India.

In cricket, redemption arcs are hard-earned. If his past has taught us anything, it’s that counting Pandya out is always a mistake.