Why Hardik Pandya sometimes talks about himself in the third person: The psychology behind it
etimes.in / Mar 12, 2026, 10:12 (IST)
Following India's T20 World Cup victory, Hardik Pandya's use of illeism, referring to himself in the third person, is revealed as a sophisticated psychological tool. This "inner coach" effect, also employed by elite athletes like LeBron James, helps create psychological distance, manage emotions, and boost logical thinking under pressure, showcasing a remarkable comeback strategy.