Love him or hate him, you cannot ignore the fact that India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is one of the most selfless cricketers in the circuit today. It isn’t easy for a sportsperson to take the call of going under the knife. But then, for Hardik, there was no other solution as delaying the inevitable could have seen his team miss his services in the all-important World T20 slated to be held in less than an year in Australia.

Hardik gives an insight into the thought that saw him deciding to go under the knife, the road to recovery as it looks him in the face, the World T20 that awaits and more importantly, the need to stay patient even as he itches to bat and bowl every single day.

“I was managing the back, tried everything possible not to get into surgery or anything. After trying everything, we came to the conclusion that it wasn’t working. I noticed that I was not able to give my 100 per cent and that meant I was not doing justice to myself and the team. That is when I decided to go for the surgery.

Asked if he is grateful that he didn’t delay the surgery as that could have seen him miss the flight to Australia, Hardik said: “100 per cent! We decided to do the surgery now because we saw the future and thought this is the right time. I could have done the surgery a month later, but it would not have helped me in any way. I was feeling the difference in my back and wasn’t able to take it.

“We thought this was the right time because even if I take four months, I will be coming back before the New Zealand series, mid-way actually. That was the plan that I play some international games, the IPL and then the World T20. The biggest concern was the World T20 which touch wood is now in place.”

“It might sound cool, but it is not easy to keep coming back as you need motivation. Yes, we all have motivation, but you need to be sure that you do not go down the wrong path. You don’t question yourself and why is it happening to you. I try and back myself and stay positive. I have understood that every comeback gives me an edge and makes me stronger. I want people to say I learnt something when I was away due to injury.