‘He Is Battle-Hardened’: Mark Boucher Optimistic for Hardik Pandya, Claims He Is Bound to Excel After Torrid IPL 2024 Season

Former Mumbai Indians’ head coach Mark Boucher has a good feeling for Hardik Pandya in the IPL 2025 season. The former Proteas wicketkeeper said that after going through a rough time in the previous season, 2025 would display Pandya’s success as he has evolved into a tough character who is battle-ready after the torrid IPL 2024 season.  

Hardik Pandya endured a difficult time in his life in 2024 when he returned to be a part of the Mumbai Indians. The Indian all-rounder was made the skipper, replacing Rohit Sharma. The move frustrated the fans, who were upset over the skipper’s replacement, leading to the cricketer receiving criticism and boos throughout the IPL season. The hate seemingly affected Hardik’s performance as he failed to lead the side towards success and instead stumbled to the bottom of the table. But with the 2025 season all set to commence, Mark Boucher believes Pandya will shine brighter than ever.

“It was really tough for him [Hardik Pandya] last season. He was being booed by the crowd every time he took the field, he deserves better, he deserves 100 per cent respect. A cricketer never wants such a thing to happen with him. But he is a tough character.

“He is a battle-hardened cricketer. He has been through tough times, injuries, form, many things. But he overcame everything and achieved success. The greats of cricket have to be tough and he has shown that. IPL is better with Hardik on the field, the game of cricket is better with Hardik on the field,” Mark Boucher said during an appearance on JioHotstar.

After enduring a tough season in the IPL 2024 season, Hardik Pandya eventually managed to find his groove after committing himself to the game. Notably, the Indian all-rounder was also dealing with some personal setbacks, which could be a reason for his lanky performance. But the Indian all-rounder managed to get his mojo back after performing in domestic and international bilaterals in white-ball cricket.

Hardik Pandya went on to be a key part of Team India’s title-winning campaigns in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and the Champions Trophy 2025. He will now aim for the IPL title as a part of the Mumbai Indians, who will begin their campaign against the Chennai Super Kings on March 23, 2025.