An Indian cricket star has lived up to his promise to acknowledge the commitment of the grounds team that went out of their way to accommodate his rigid training sessions in the run-up to the T20 World Cup 2026.
Hardik Pandya thanked the groundsmen of the Wankhede Stadium by handing them each Rs 10 k (approximately 100 USD). Earlier this year, Hardik had been preparing intensively at the iconic stadium in south Mumbai. He often trained late into the night, making the grounds team work extra hours to ensure that the pitch and facilities remained in top condition and that he could practise unhindered. India went on to win the T20 World Cup.
Impressed by their dedication and commitment, Pandya had already promised the groundsmen before the start of the tournament that he would reward them for their efforts and assistance throughout. It is believed that 10 to 11 groundsmen have benefited from the gesture.
The gesture coincided with #Groundsweek, a week that was established by the UK-based Grounds Management Association with the aim to acknowledge groundsmen and greenkeepers (around the world) for their effort, dedication and sacrifice.