March 21, New Delhi Even though Hardik Pandya will miss the Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2025 opener against the Chennai Super Kings on Sunday in Chennai because of a one-match suspension from the previous IPL, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh thinks the all-rounder stands out from the others because he believes in his ability to succeed.

For Pandya, the IPL 2022 winning captain who had a disastrous season in every way, the 2025 competition seems to be crucial. Even though the five-time winners ended bottom in the points table, the audience jeered the all-rounder in the first half of the 2024 Indian Premier League because MI management had chosen to designate him captain instead of Rohit Sharma after he had joined from the Gujarat Titans.

“He was a very self-assured player from the moment he joined the team in 2015.” He also had an optimistic outlook and a “yes, I can do this” mentality.  His optimistic instinct has improved since that time.

“Now that I can accomplish these things and he has done it, he believes in himself more.” Thus, it is one of his greatest advantages that sets him apart from other people. In a virtual interview with IANS before the 18th season, JioStar analyst Harbhajan said, “He has now had the experience of playing for almost ten years—not just the IPL but a lot of international cricket.”

Harbhajan feels the all-rounder still has the confidence and optimism from that time to emerge stronger as the team’s captain in the current tournament beginning on Saturday. He had seen a young Pandya emerge as a rookie in the star-studded MI setup and excel in the 2015 IPL.

It’s encouraging to watch how he developed for the Mumbai Indians throughout the years. He was also excellent when guiding GT for two years. Yes, because he was returning to the Mumbai Indians, last year wasn’t the best for him.

However, a lot of positive things have transpired since then, such as the fact that he was instrumental in helping Team India win two ICC titles, so I believe he has moved on from everything. When it comes to his leadership or talent set, I believe Hardik Pandya will be at his peak this season. You are content, having fun, and you seem to bring out the best in other players when you are at ease.

Since it seems that everything that went wrong last year has been resolved and that this year will be a new beginning, we can only hope that Hardik Pandya will perform at his best this year. Finally, Harbhajan said, “I hope he and his team fire at the right time.”