‘Hardik bhai was the first one who messaged me’: Jitesh Sharma discloses chat with Pandya after T20 World Cup snub

Jitesh Sharma recalled the support he received from Hardik Pandya after missing out on the T20 World Cup squad.

Updated on: Mar 27, 2026, 17:23:59 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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RCB wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma spoke about Hardik Pandya’s generosity off the field, noting that he often distributes bats to young cricketers and is always willing to give advice whenever asked. While Hardik is known for his flashy lifestyle, with high-end watches and cars, he stays grounded and humble, never letting success or attention change him. Over the years, he has been involved in a few off-field controversies, yet he continues to be one of the most popular players in the country. His teammates frequently praise his supportive nature and the way he inspires those around him.

Jitesh Sharma recalled the support he received from Hardik Pandya

Jitesh praised the Pandya brothers for their generosity and support off the field. He described Hardik as exceptionally helpful and revealed that he even gifted him one without being asked. He added that Krunal Pandya is equally supportive, always ready to help whenever called upon, highlighting the pair’s commitment to guiding and uplifting others beyond their on-field roles.

"Hardik bhai is the most helpful. I haven’t seen anyone distributing so many bats to kids. Like, without speaking, he gave me a bat once without me speaking, he helps so many boys.” Krunal bhai, any time you call him, he’ll help and help a lot," Jitesh said on Ranveer Allahbadia's podcast.

The RCB wicketkeeper-batter also recalled the support he received from Hardik after missing out on the T20 World Cup squad. He revealed that Hardik was the first to reach out, offering simple yet meaningful advice

“Hardik bhai was the first one who messaged me when I didn’t get into the World Cup team. He said just grow as a person as a cricketer. That’s it," he added.

“I haven’t seen someone working so hard”: Jitesh on Hardik Pandya

He further praised Hardik's intelligence and work ethic, describing him as a highly smart cricketer who knows exactly what he is doing on the field. Speaking from his experience playing for Baroda, the RCB star highlighted Hardik’s disciplined routine, from rigorous swimming and yoga sessions to his relentless dedication to batting and bowling. H

"He is a very smart cricketer. I have interacted with him many times. I play for Baroda. He is a very smart cricketer and he knows what he is doing.

“Everybody knows that he is a smart human being, perhaps no one wants to accept it, I feel he follows his routine like an insane swimming pool, yoga. His batting and bowling, like him, no one works that hard. I haven’t seen someone working so hard; he is so strong," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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