Hardik Pandya Reveals Ricky Ponting’s Hilarious Prank During His IPL Debut Season
Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya recently shared a funny anecdote from his first season with Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2015 Indian Premier League (IPL), revealing how legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting had played a prank on him.
The Prank
At the BCCI Naman Awards 2026, Pandya recalled that Ponting, who was MI’s coach at the time, had tricked him during post-match award ceremonies.
“Ricky told me that whenever I win an award in a post-match ceremony, I would get the entire prize money. I was already planning what to buy with it!” Pandya said, laughing.
However, he soon realised that the prize money is actually divided among the entire team, and Ponting had played the prank to have some fun at the young all-rounder’s expense.
Debut Season Success
Despite the prank, Pandya had an impressive debut season at the age of 21. He scored 112 runs in eight innings at an explosive strike rate of 180.64 and picked up a wicket with the ball. His performances helped MI clinch the IPL 2015 title, marking a memorable start to his IPL career.
Celebrating Cricket Legends
The BCCI Naman Awards 2026, held in New Delhi, also honoured legendary former cricketers:
- Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid received the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Mithali Raj was awarded the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women.
The annual awards recognise outstanding performances and lasting contributions across international, domestic, and age-group cricket, while also honouring individuals whose work has shaped the growth and stature of the game in India.
Pandya’s anecdote about Ponting not only brought laughter to the ceremony but also offered a glimpse into the lighter, fun-loving side of cricket behind the high-pressure environment of the IPL.
