India, Feb. 3 -- Let's start with Instagram because Hardik Pandya's social media handle is a mirror to his everyday life. Whether it is him gyming, training, being out for a swim, playing with his son or chanting a bhajan, when Hardik is not on the field, he's sharing his real life with the virtual world.

His fans love him for that. At last count, Hardik's Instagram following of 45 million was nearly as strong as Rohit Sharma's and only behind Virat Kohli among current cricketers. His package of tattoos, blonde hair, tank tops and self belief is tantalising to say the least.

Not everyone in Indian cricket appreciates his in-your-face persona though. Just the way it holds true in any corporate ladder, the flashy one is perceived not to b...