Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has won widespread praise ahead of IPL 2026 for a heartfelt gesture, rewarding the groundstaff at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium with cheques of ₹10 lakh each.

According to reports, Pandya distributed the cheques to around 10–11 members of the Mumbai Cricket Association’s groundstaff—not for pitch preparation, but as a token of gratitude for their support during his practice sessions ahead of the T20 World Cup. During that period, Hardik often trained late into the night, and the groundstaff extended their working hours to assist him without hesitation.

The all-rounder had reportedly promised to reward them for their efforts, and he stayed true to his word. After a recent Mumbai Indians training session, Pandya personally handed over the cheques to those who had supported him, with photos from the moment now going viral on social media.

While Hardik Pandya is often in the spotlight for his on-field performances and high-profile lifestyle, this gesture has highlighted a different side of him—earning appreciation from fans and the cricketing community alike.