Game on in dubai
For Indian cricketer and Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, travel is all about striking the perfect balance — fuelling his curiosity to explore it all without the fear of missing out.
He was 2024’s seventh most-searched athlete on Google across the globe and made headlines throughout the year. After reclaiming the title of World No. 1 all-rounder in T20I cricket (as per the International Cricket Council rankings), it can safely be said that 2024 belonged to the swashbuckling Hardik Pandya!
The Big Win
For the Gujarat-born cricketer, the most memorable moment of his cricketing life was when India won the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. “The moment will stay with me forever – my first World Cup win. It’s unparalleled to anything I have experienced. Lifting the trophy with the boys, supported by the energy from the fans, was unreal. We worked so hard as a team, and to see everything come together on the biggest stage was special,” says Pandya.
Recalling the final match, Pandya describes it as a rollercoaster. “I remember standing on the field, soaking in the pressure, and saying to myself, ‘This is why we play the game.’ When the last wicket fell, and we realised we’d done it, I couldn’t hold back,” adds the cricketer.
Pandya first rose to prominence with a knock of an unbeaten 61 runs off 31 balls for the Mumbai Indians against the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2015 IPL tournament. Soon, he made his way into the Indian cricket team. Recovering from a serious back injury, Pandya achieved his best form in 2024.
But it was a humble start for Pandya. He fondly reminisces the days when he and his brother Krunal used to cycle to the local cricket ground. “We didn’t have much back then, just one kit bag between the two of us. He’d carry it on the way there, and I’d carry it on the way back,” he says, smiling. “Sometimes we didn’t even have proper gear like shoes or gloves, but we never let that stop us. The love for cricket slowly became bigger than any challenge we faced,” he recalls.
briefing
Cricketer
Favourite stadiums
Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It’s more than just a ground; it’s home. The cheering and the passion of the Mumbai crowd – in India colours or the blue and gold of the Mumbai Indians – is unmatched. I also love Kensington Oval in Barbados because we won the World Cup there. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is another one. The place is so iconic that playing there gives me goosebumps,” he says.
Dubai must-dos
Pandya recommends three favourites: skydiving, desert safari, and visiting Hatta, a Dubai exclave. “Hatta is hidden in the desert but is an oasis of joy. It is a must-do for families,” he says. Once a quaint mountain town with its historic fort and desert farms, Hatta is now an adventure hub with hiking, camping and trekking. Pandya also suggests spending a night in the desert. “I’ve experienced the vastness of the night sky with my son – nothing short of an adventure for him and one of my best times,” he says.
Destination Choice
For Pandya, his choice of travel destination depends on whether he’s travelling with family or solo. “My son chooses our vacation spots! Also, the fastest travel time and the comfort of travel are very important,” the cricketer points out.
“I love travelling in style and enjoying the finer things in life, whether it’s staying in a luxurious resort, dining at the best restaurants, cruising on a yacht, or a bit of adventure,” he says, adding, “If I’m in a new place, I want to experience everything it has to offer.”
“I am essentially a traveller on holiday. When I’m on vacation, I like to plan my own itinerary,” says Pandya. The key, he feels, is to understand what you enjoy doing the most and take all the learnings.
Travel Bug
Travel
Essentials
“The right attire can light up my mood and help me enjoy my trip. Add to it a few fits from my Hardik Pandya Collection, sneakers, and hats and it’s perfect! I love accessories, so sunglasses, my signature chain, a watch, and the right perfume are a must,” he says.
Love for Dubai
“My all-time favourite is Dubai. It makes for a quick getaway. It’s very welcoming and has the perfect balance of luxury, adventure, and relaxation,” he says.
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