Hardik Pandya’s mighty roar is absent, but is he?

If you ever travel to Baroda, you will be remarkably surprised by the cosmopolitan nature of the city. It can partly be attributed to the strategically important geographical location - being a connecting depot for Ahmedabad and Mumbai - but also because of the wonderful mix of modernity and heritage that Barodians have so closely knit together. To be in Baroda is also to realize the magnitude of its harmony despite drastic differences in religious identities.

An industrial hub for some of the biggest factories in the country, Baroda’s global identity has also been shaped by a couple of sibling pairs. The Pathans and the Pandyas have given Baroda a place on the world map. When Irfan Pathan rose in the Indian cricket scene in the early 2000s, it was a symphonic moment. The rise of Hardik Pandya only bolstered its reputation.

MS Dhoni has often been hailed for opening the doors of Indian cricket to a wider talent pool and how a new generation of cricketers got access to what was once a dream. But not a lot has been spoken about the real impact of the GenNext cricketers and how they have changed the landscape in their own confident way. 

When Hardik would call it a day from the sport - and I’m sure there’s a long time for it - the world would only talk about his achievements, the controversies, and his larger-than-life personality. Because stereotypes endure in our minds, any book will be written about how he became a big influence for people from small towns to come out of the wilderness and become confident individuals. 

If MS Dhoni was the original gangster, Pandya made everyone believe that it could be a sustainable allegory of achievements and not just an exception that people so forget easily.

Thus, it was painful to see Hardik Pandya, the most important cog in the wheel in the limited-overs set-up, not being a part of the final home stretch of the World Cup due to a ligament tear. Sure, India have managed to fill in the gaps and have become an even more threatening bowling unit with the inclusion of Mohammed Shami, but Hardik’s contribution to this Indian side was beyond measure. 

The all-rounder from Baroda provided a tactical cushion, an insurance that was needed so desperately. That insurance was the biggest reason why the openers could play without any inhibition, and later, the entire team bought into the whole idea. We could see how Rohit Sharma trusts his unit and lays it bare by playing an aggressive brand of cricket in the powerplay. You could see how bowlers were not afraid of diving for a catch because there was a certain Hardik Pandya to complete their quota of overs. 

That brings me back to Baroda once again. Geographically, Baroda is located right next to Surat, India’s textile hub, where 90% of the world's unpolished diamonds are cut and polished. Further, being almost equidistant from Mumbai and Ahmedabad, Baroda has become a hub for many oil refineries, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemical industries. 

It is not often acknowledged, but the way Baroda has managed to stand out as one of India’s economic hubs is how it drew its cosmopolitan nature. It is not a surprise why the city produces some of the most confident cricketers who know their worth and where they belong. 

“Tough to digest the fact that I will miss out on the remaining part of the World Cup. I'll be with the team, in spirit, cheering them on every ball of every game. Thanks for all the wishes, the love, and the support has been incredible. This team is special, and I'm sure we'll make everyone proud. Love, always, HP,” Pandya wrote on X after being ruled out of the World Cup, stressing “We” more than ever. 

Since Hardik’s injury, India have gone on to secure six consecutive victories. All comprehensive. There is not a semblance of their performance that would give away any sign of complacency. A billion cricket fans would hope that it remains the same on Wednesday and, possibly, on Sunday as well. 

But if and when India lift the trophy in Ahmedabad, the story of a local boy will be sidelined, for a country will scream in unison for the fulfillment of a collective dream. I can just wish they don’t forget what he has brought to the table and the role he played in ending the 10-year-long draught.