Hardik Pandya opens up on 'setbacks making him stronger' after sexism controversy

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been on sidelines since September 2019 due to an injury, appeared on a leading media network's program recently where he opened on  controversy he courted on a popular television show that led to his suspension from Indian team. He also stated how he came back stronger after witnessing toughest period in his international career. Pandya is set to make a long-awaited return during upcoming tour of New Zealand later this month according to multiple media reports on Monday. He has been included in India A squad that tours New Zealand just before senior national team does.

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ball was in someone else's court: Hardik Pandya 

While speaking during program, Hardik Pandya said that he was hopeful for yet ar good comeback as he had been fortunate so far. 26-year old also opened up about  controversy where he was slammed by fans and critics for his misogynistic remarks on a leading Indian talk show, where he appeared with teammate KL Rahul.  Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued both cricketers show-cause tices after ir insensitive remarks on talk show and also suspended m from team which resulted in ir exclusion from  ODI series against Australia in January 2019.

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Furr elaborating on incident, Pandya said that as cricketers, y did t kw what was going to happen. He added that ball was t in his court but in someone else's where y had to take shot and that it was a very vulnerable place where one wouldn't want to be. Both cricketers saw ir teammates distance mselves from controversy and found little support during that period.

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Hardik Pandya likely to replace Shivam Dube?

Pandya may be returning to Indian team this month and even sooner than expected. It is expected that dynamic player would be making his comeback to national side when Indian team tours New Zealand later this month. Although a leading Indian media daily claimed on Monday that Pandya's return in upcoming ODIs against Australia is in 'thought process' of BCCI, Baroda star is likely to replace Shivam Dube in squad for New Zealand tour.

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