Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya emphasised the importance of quality over quantity in training, advising youngsters to focus on practising “right” rather than simply spending long hours, while also highlighting the need to stay adaptable and react effectively during match situations.
Speaking about preparation and mindset, the Mumbai Indians skipper underlined that performance on the field is shaped well before a player steps into a game, stressing the value of intent during practice sessions. “I think it comes how well you prepare, what your intent is during your preparation.
I think that's a very important lesson to all the youngsters that in the game you don't decide what you're going to do. In the game you just react to what's going to come to you,” he said in a video shared by IPL. Expanding on this, Pandya pointed out that the ability to respond effectively under pressure is rooted in the quality of preparation, rather than the duration of practice.
“And for you to react the best in your capacity, you need to really spend a good amount of hours here by practising right, not practising long. See, confidence is that I can do this. Overconfidence is that only I can do this,” the all-rounder added.
The two-time T20 World Cup-winning champion also spoke about focusing on factors within one’s control, noting that outcomes in a match are often unpredictable despite thorough preparation, as he said, “I think it's about controlling the controllables.
What happens in the game, how well I'll do, what I'll do is, to be very honest, not in my hand. It's always good to back yourself but always be mindful of taking the right advice. Highlighting the importance of humility and continuous learning, Pandya urged young players to remain open to guidance and patient in their journey.
“Hearing people out and you never stop learning, I think that's the difference. The fine line is only crossed when you think that you know everything. People have to remember and especially all the youngsters as well that good things take time, so have patience,” he said.
He further elaborated on the perception of confidence and “swag,” explaining that what is often seen externally reflects deep-rooted preparation and mindset. “There's terms between swag, there's terms between confidence but that sheer comes through hard work, that sheer comes through the preparation, that's the mindset which I have over the years got myself into and that just translates into my body language because I am confident due to the fact that I have prepared really well.
The outer layer to people and what people see is maybe swag but I think the inner, deeper definition for that is just the mindset. I believe I am the best in this world,” he explained. Pandya concluded by stressing the importance of self-belief and a team-first mentality, revealing how his mindset shapes his approach every time he takes the field.
“When I enter the field, I have no doubt that I am here to win the game, I have no doubt I am here to do something magical. I think that mindset of winning, that mindset of being selfless, that mindset of making sure that you put your team forward, that has helped me to have that confidence, to have that mindset, have that attitude and it turns out it looks cool as well.”