Ahmedabad: The Pandya brothers, Hardik and Krunal, are known to be fierce competitors on the field, unwilling to budge an inch. No equation seems out of reach, considering their warrior-like hunger and desire to dominate the opposition. However, there is a softer side to their personality off the field. Despite witnessing the heights of success, the Pandya brothers continue to value and support their childhood coach Jitendra Singh, just like a member of their immediate family, providing “financial assistance of nearly Rs 70-80 lakhs”.“Hardik and Krunal ensured that my first sister’s wedding took place smoothly in 2018, stepping up with monetary assistance. Not only this, they also transferred Rs 20 lakhs for purchasing a car, along with other gifts, during my second sister’s marriage in February 2024. Hardik said, ‘Your sister is my sister. Just let me know whenever the wedding gets fixed’. After being informed about the date, he simply responded, ‘Don’t worry. Just ensure that all things go well’, taking care of all the requirements,” said Jitendra in an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com.
Hardik began his IPL career with the Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2015, which emerged as a major source of happiness for the Pandya family as well as their coach. However, Jitendra suffered an unexpected blow during Hardik’s absence after his mother fell seriously unwell all of a sudden.
Jitendra Singh with Krunal Pandya and Hardik Pandya (Special Arrangement)
“I didn’t mention the issue to Hardik to avoid any distractions. However, he figured out that there was something amiss after returning to Baroda and questioned me. I eventually opened up. After hearing about my mother’s ill health, Hardik simply said, ‘Please take all my money and make sure she recovers’. This was the first instance of their generosity and showcases our relationship,” said Jitendra.“Hardik further gifted me a car which cost Rs 5-6 lakhs after returning from India’s 2015-16 tour of Australia, which marked his first appearance with the national team, despite not being financially strong. I was caught by surprise and wasn’t agreeable initially. Even Krunal attempted to convince me. However, I eventually relented after Hardik said, ‘We are giving you a car for your safety. You shouldn’t suffer an accident while driving a bike’. That was his way of acknowledging a coach who’d always been there when needed,” added Jitendra.The relationship shared by the Pandya brothers with their childhood coach is further evident from a message shared by Hardik on Facebook in 2017, on the occasion of Teacher’s Day.
Hardik Pandya with coach Jitendra Singh (Special Arrangement)
“On this day, I would like to say thank you to many teachers in my life, but the one who deserves the most is this guy, Jitu Singh sir. The guy who stood there with me in all ups and downs and always made sure I kept going! Thank you coach, we love you. I got your back always,” he said.While the phrase ‘I got your back’ is thrown around lightly nowadays, the Pandya brothers have ensured that they live up to the significance involved. “Hardik and Krunal helped me financially after MI won the IPL in 2017 and 2019. Krunal also transferred Rs 18 lakhs to purchase a car after RCB won IPL 2025. The overall financial assistance received from the Pandya brothers has been nearly Rs 70-80 lakhs. Their gestures definitely mean a lot considering I hail from a lower middle-class familial background,” said Jitendra.
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“The Pandya brothers bore every expense on my behalf when they got married, personally ensuring my utmost comfort in every aspect. They ensure I have access to the best resources without a single penny being spent from my pocket. Hardik gifted me Nike merchandise worth Rs 2 lakhs back in 2016. All my clothing has been gifted by Hardik and Krunal, which I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. It is certainly a blessing and a matter of great fortune for any coach to have students like them,” he added.
