Congratulations on being offered the Ahmedabad leadership role. Must be very exciting to be given the responsibility.
When I played for Mumbai Indians, I learnt a lot of things. When I played for India I played under great captains like Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), the way he led us, the freedom he gave us. When the offer was made I asked my family, my friends, my brother, who has always been an important part of all my decisions and we all came to the conclusion that we all have a leader within us. The kind of situations and the roles that I have played for Mumbai Indians and the Indian team, the leader was always there in me. It was only a matter of time before I had the ‘C’ (for captain) beside my name. When this offer came, I thought I should go for it.
You mentioned Dhoni. Do you want to evolve your leadership philosophy based on his example?
I have learnt a lot from all the captains that I have played under, especially Mahi bhai. The way he groomed me, the way he gave me a lot of freedom, he wanted me to make mistakes and learn. In First Class cricket you always have a senior guiding you. Most cricketers come to the Indian team with that culture. When I came to the Indian team I thought Mahendra Singh Dhoni was there, everything would be looked after. I thought Mahi bhai would tell me where to bowl and all, but he never told me much. Later on I realised, it was because he wanted me to learn on my own which would help me in having a prolonged career and prepare me for all situations. But I always knew he was behind me, backing me up, making sure I get groomed. I believe in leading by example, I’ll set the standard, I’ll set the attitude that the team wants to play with. My philosophy is to make sure all the players feel at home, everyone has a positive mindset and everyone feels included. I believe once all the players feel comfortable, they know what their potential is and how to give their best.
Your IPL journey so far has been great. You have won multiple titles with the Mumbai Indians and this year will be a new challenge.
It’s been like a dream. I never thought I would be standing in this position after seven years. Seven years went by very quickly. The success, the highs, the lows. I’m grateful for the faith Mumbai Indians had shown in me by picking me up in 2015. A couple of franchisees had asked (former India player and MI team manager) Rahul Sanghvi, ‘who is this player?’. The world didn’t even know Hardik existed back then, but they showed faith in me and I’ll be forever grateful to them for that. Mumbai Indians will always be in my heart.
Your fitness has been an issue in recent times and it cost you your place in the Indian team.
I have always rushed myself with my preparation keeping the team’s interest in mind. But this time I wanted some time off to prepare myself physically and mentally. I also wanted to take some time off for my family. I wanted time off to reflect on myself and understand which areas I need to work on and concentrate on improving those things. I’m doing two sessions every day. I have always worked hard in silence and will continue to do so.
Are you looking at IPL 2022 as your comeback platform?
Yes, that’s the plan. My main aim is to be at my peak when the World Cup happens. All my training, planning, preparation is keeping the World Cup in mind. I want to win the World Cup for the country. It will make me really happy and proud. It is like an obsession with me. IPL will give me a very good preparatory platform for the World Cup but all the hard work ultimately is for the Indian team and the World Cup.
Are you in a good space now?
Yes, I am. I’m training hard and gearing up to be at my peak for the country. I am looking at the IPL to be back as an all-rounder, that’s the ambition. That’s what I want to do and that’s what I will do unless something goes drastically wrong.
