Hardik Pandya’s Former Tuition Student Shines in Australia, Hits Three Consecutive Sixes in Big Bash League

Australian-based cricketer Jersis Vadia has created a storm in the Big Bash League (BBL) during only his second match, smashing three consecutive sixes off the first three balls to score 22 runs for the Adelaide Strikers against Brisbane Heat. The spectacular performance has gone viral on social media, drawing praise from renowned power-hitters like Hardik Pandya and Nicholas Pooran.

A Personal Connection with Hardik Pandya
Vadia revealed a special bond with Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya. “Honestly, I wanted to hit a six off every ball. It was all about trusting my skills and being as aggressive as possible. Luck favored me, and I managed three sixes, which felt great,” said Vadia. He added, “The response on Instagram has been overwhelming. I’ve received messages from both India and Australia, including from top cricketers like Hardik Pandya and Nicholas Pooran. It’s surreal how one performance can change your entire perspective and environment.”

Hardik Pandya’s Tuition Connection
The connection between Vadia and Pandya goes beyond messages. As a youngster, Hardik used to take tuition from Vadia’s mother, and during his early days with the Indian cricket team, he also stayed at Vadia’s home in Mumbai. Vadia fondly recalled, “Krunal and Hardik have been close family friends. I’ve learned a lot from them. Watching Hardik’s journey and hard work gave me hope that I could achieve the same. My father, uncle, and grandfather were good friends with Hardik’s father, which further strengthened our family ties.”

A Cricketing Journey from Baroda to Adelaide
The 24-year-old Vadia represented Baroda at the Under-16 and Under-19 levels before moving to Adelaide. Born to Mumbai-based Bollywood actor Diljan Vadia, it was his grandfather Nevil Vadia, a cricket enthusiast, who inspired his cricketing journey. Nevil Vadia famously made a century at a minor cricket match at an age that earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records as the oldest player to score a century. Jersis recounted, “My grandfather bowled me my first proper ball at the age of four, and I managed to hit it cleanly. That moment remains unforgettable.”

Strong Ties to India
Vadia’s roots remain deeply tied to India. “My family is from India. My parents are from Mumbai. I can speak Hindi fluently, Gujarati well, and a little Marathi, though not perfectly. All my junior cricket was with the Baroda Cricket Association. My grandparents still live in India, and I spent my childhood with them as my parents worked in Mumbai. They were incredibly supportive and passionate about my cricket journey,” he said.

Jersis Vadia’s extraordinary display in the BBL not only highlights his aggressive batting skills but also reflects the influence of a strong family legacy and early mentorship that includes a personal connection with India’s own Hardik Pandya.