Aniket Verma is the new sensation in the IPL 2025, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His blistering 74-run innings off 41 balls against Delhi Capitals made headlines. What inspired this 23-year-old overnight star? Aniket’s story begins with Hardik Pandya’s tale of struggle, where he and his brother Krunal survived on Maggi noodles for months.
Aniket’s uncle shared that he told Aniket about the Pandya brothers’ story when he was just 14. Aniket was on his way to cricket training at the academy, and his uncle saw a fire in his belly to succeed. This story sparked something in Aniket, and he never looked back.
Hardik Pandya’s Maggi Story: A Beacon of Hope
In an interview with the Times of India, Aniket’s uncle revealed that he shared Hardik’s story with Aniket during a car ride to the academy. “Aniket was around 14 then. I had read about Hardik’s struggles in the newspaper and shared it with Aniket. That day, I saw a hunger to win, a passion, and commitment in him. He wanted to achieve big things.”
A New Pair of Shoes
Aniket’s uncle, Amit, also shared that he worked at a car showroom back then. Aniket used to play with torn shoes, so Amit took him to the store and bought him a new pair worth 1,200 rupees. Amit confessed that he had never spent that much on himself, but he was willing to do anything for Aniket. That night, Aniket slept wearing his new shoes, a symbol of his uncle’s support and belief in him.
As Aniket’s career takes off, his story serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and the right inspiration, anything is possible. The Maggi story, which once fueled Hardik Pandya’s journey, has now inspired a new generation of cricketers, including Aniket Verma.
