Hardik Pandya Gives Rs. 10,000 Each to Ground Support Staff in Wankhede
Hardik Pandya returned to Wankhede Stadium to personally reward and thank the unsung ground staff who supported his journey to T20 World Cup glory.
On 26 March 2026, at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Hardik Pandya fulfilled a heartfelt promise he had made months earlier.
Before the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, Hardik was pushing through a critical phase in his career, battling past injuries and striving to stay fit. His rigorous training sessions often stretched late into the night, and through it all, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) ground staff were there—preparing pitches, maintaining nets, and ensuring everything was perfect.
Hardik had quietly promised them that if he succeeded in the World Cup, he would return to show his gratitude.
After a stellar World Cup performance that helped India lift the trophy, Hardik kept his word. On 26 March, before the IPL 2026, he visited Wankhede—not during a match, but specifically to thank the ground staff personally. Each member received a ?10,000 cheque, a gesture that came straight from him, not the BCCI or IPL.
The groundsmen were genuinely surprised—recognition for their behind-the-scenes work is rare. The story quickly went viral, earning Hardik praise for remembering those who supported him when no one was watching.
Even Indian wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma chimed in, saying Hardik is incredibly generous, often giving bats to kids on his own, including one he once gifted to Jitesh himself.
Hardik Pandya’s gesture wasn’t just about money—it was about gratitude, humility, and honoring the unsung heroes of cricket.
