How Hardik Pandya’s cricketing journey inspired Aniket Verma?

Aniket Verma, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s rising star, has taken IPL 2025 by storm with his explosive batting performances. The young cricketer’s journey from a struggling background to becoming one of the league’s biggest six-hitters is nothing short of inspiring. Guided by his uncle and inspired by Hardik Pandya’s story of resilience, Aniket has overcome numerous obstacles to reach this stage.

A Humble Beginning: Struggles and Sacrifices

Aniket’s life was never easy. He lost his mother at the age of three, and his father remarried a year later. This led his grandmother, Parvati Verma, to move to Bhopal with Aniket’s uncle, Amit Verma. Amit, who had just finished school, took it upon himself to raise Aniket, despite their financial struggles.

“My late father worked in the Railways, so my mother received a pension, which helped us survive,” Amit recalled. “Aniket and I shared a strong bond, and he always called my mother ‘Mummy’ like I did. We faced tough times, but we managed.”

At the age of eight, Amit noticed Aniket’s natural cricketing talent and took him to Railways Youth Sports Club, where coach Nand Jeet Singh was impressed by his hand-eye coordination. Understanding their financial limitations, Singh waived Aniket’s coaching fees.

Influence of Hardik Pandya’s Journey

Aniket’s passion for cricket was fueled by his uncle’s storytelling. Amit vividly remembers narrating Hardik Pandya’s struggle—how he and his brother, Krunal, survived on Maggi for three years due to financial difficulties.

“Aniket was just 14 when I told him this story on our way to his academy,” Amit said. “He kept asking about Hardik’s struggles and his rise to success. That day, I saw the hunger in his eyes. Once we reached the stadium, he touched my feet and said, ‘I complain about trivial things.’ I laughed, but he was serious.”

The Road to IPL: Bhopal to Hyderabad

Aniket’s cricketing journey took a significant turn when he started playing under coach Jyoti Prakash Tyagi. Tyagi recognized Aniket’s aggressive batting style and encouraged him to play freely.

“Cricket has evolved, and aggression is now a strength,” Tyagi said. “Aniket doesn’t think about Plan B or C. He focuses entirely on Plan A and executes it perfectly. He is still raw but is learning how to finish games.”

Aniket’s breakthrough came in the 2024 Madhya Pradesh Premier League (MPL), where he played for Bhopal Leopards. He amassed 273 runs in six innings, smashing 25 sixes, catching the attention of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s scouts.

Dream IPL Debut and Explosive Batting

In IPL 2025, Aniket has already displayed his six-hitting prowess. Against Delhi Capitals, he walked in at 25/3 and smashed a 41-ball 74, including five fours and six sixes. Against Lucknow Super Giants, he played a blistering 13-ball 36, hitting five maximums.

His ability to dominate spinners has drawn comparisons with Heinrich Klaasen. “He reads lengths early and muscles the ball over the boundary with ease,” an SRH team member said.

For His ‘Chachu’ – A Special Gift

Aniket remains grounded, attributing his success to his uncle’s sacrifices. Before IPL 2025, when a journalist reached out for an interview, Aniket humbly responded, “Brother, I haven’t achieved anything yet. I’m not even a regular for MP. Let’s talk after the IPL season.”

Amit, who traveled with Aniket for the first three IPL matches, was deeply moved when his nephew gifted him branded shoes with a note: “To the world’s best Chachu.”

“I still remember my first job paid me ₹3,000. Aniket played in torn shoes, so I bought him a pair for ₹1,200. I had never owned anything that expensive, but for him, I would do anything. That night, he slept with his new shoes,” Amit recalled, laughing.

What’s Next for Aniket?

Despite his remarkable performances, Aniket knows he still has a long way to go. His coach Tyagi believes he needs to develop the ability to finish games.

“He has the intent, but he needs to learn how to take his team home,” Tyagi said. “Experience will teach him, and in the next few games, I’d love to see him finish matches for SRH.”

As Aniket Verma continues his rise in IPL 2025, his journey from struggle to success serves as an inspiration to many young cricketers. With his aggressive batting, mental toughness, and determination, he is well on his way to becoming one of India’s future cricketing stars.

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