Hardik Pandya’s Idol Wasim Jaffer: A Consistent Eight-Year Admiration

Hardik Pandya sparked a wave of social media trolling after naming Wasim Jaffer as his cricketing idol at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026. While fellow cricketers Abhishek Sharma picked Yuvraj Singh and Sanju Samson chose Sachin Tendulkar, Pandya’s choice raised eyebrows given that Jaffer played only 31 Tests and 2 ODIs for India.

Not a New Revelation

What many fans missed is that this is far from the first time Pandya has expressed this admiration. As far back as 2018, he told ESPNcricinfo that he loved Jaffer’s batting and even tried to copy his style. In a 2022 appearance on the SG podcast, he elaborated further, placing Jaffer above acknowledged legends like Jacques Kallis, Virat Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar in terms of personal favourites.

“I used to love watching him bat. Someone I always placed above other legends. Somehow, I used to copy his batting, but I was never able to get his class,” Pandya said on the podcast.

Trolling Misses the Point

Critics on social media accused Pandya of trying to appear quirky or contrarian with his choice. However, an eight-year pattern of consistent statements tells a different story — one of genuine, personal admiration rooted in how Jaffer’s technique influenced Pandya’s formative years as a cricketer.

Ultimately, idol choices are deeply personal. Not every young cricketer growing up in Mumbai was inspired by the same household names, and Pandya’s connection to Jaffer reflects an authentic piece of his cricketing journey.