In cricket, we often celebrate numbers, centuries, and match-winning moments. But sometimes, the most powerful stories don’t come from the scoreboard – they come from the sidelines, from the people who helped build the stars we cheer for.
And that’s exactly where the story of Hardik and Krunal Pandya and their childhood coach, Jitendra Singh, begins.
From Grit to Glory: The Pandya Brothers’ Humble Beginnings
Long before they wore the Indian jersey, Hardik and Krunal Pandya were just two boys from Vadodara, chasing a dream that seemed impossible. Their family had very little – money was tight, meals were basic, and dreams came with a price.
But they had one priceless asset: a coach who believed in them when the world didn’t.
Jitendra Singh stood by the Pandya brothers through every struggle. When they couldn’t afford cricket kits, he found a way. When others doubted their potential, he pushed them harder. And when life knocked them down, he helped them stand up again.
A Teacher’s Day Story That Melted Hearts
Now, years later with IPL contracts, India caps, and global stardom under their belts – Hardik and Krunal are paying it back, not with words, but with gratitude and generosity.
On Teacher’s Day 2025, the story of their enduring bond with Jitendra Singh has gone viral for all the right reasons. Speaking to The Times of India, Jitendra revealed that the brothers have quietly extended financial support worth Rs 70-80 lakhs over the years.
From funding his sisters’ weddings, helping during his mother’s illness, to even buying him a car, the Pandya brothers have made sure their mentor never felt alone.
“Hardik said, ‘Your sister is my sister. Just let me know whenever the wedding gets fixed’. Once I informed him, he simply responded, ‘Don’t worry. Just ensure that all things go well.’ He took care of everything,” Singh recalled.
More Than Money – It’s About Respect
After making his debut for India in 2016, Hardik Pandya gifted his coach a car worth Rs 5-6 lakhs – a gesture made even more meaningful considering Hardik wasn’t financially strong himself at the time.
Krunal followed suit, sending money for another vehicle, and both brothers routinely gifted Jitendra clothes, shoes, and personal items, treating him as nothing less than family.
And when Jitendra’s mother fell gravely ill, Hardik’s response was immediate and heartfelt:
“Please take all my money and make sure she recovers,” he told his coach, with no hesitation.
A Bond Forged in Struggle
What makes this story so special isn’t the money – it’s the relationship. In a world where fame often creates distance, the Pandya brothers have never forgotten where they came from or who helped them get there.
Jitendra Singh wasn’t just a coach; he was a guiding light during their darkest days. And now, the students have become stars – but they’ve made sure their teacher shines too.
From Noodles to National Glory
The Pandya story is already the stuff of cricketing folklore. Their father gave up everything – even shutting down his business in Surat – to move to Baroda for their cricket careers. The family lived in a small rented house, shared kits, and often survived on instant noodles.
Training at the Kiran More Academy only happened because their fees were waived. Hardik even dropped out of school after Class 9 to focus entirely on cricket. The journey wasn’t easy but it was full of heart.
Today, they’ve become two of India’s most recognizable cricketers, inspiring a new generation to dream – but more importantly, to remember their roots.
A Lesson for All
In a game full of heroes, this story reminds us that the greatest acts of character often happen off the field. The Pandya brothers could have moved on – but they didn’t. They looked back, reached out, and lifted up the man who once lifted them.
It’s easy to celebrate sixes, wickets, and trophies. But today, we celebrate something far rarer – gratitude, loyalty, and heart.
Because in the end, cricket is not just about winning games – it’s about winning people. And in that, Hardik and Krunal Pandya are already champions.