Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has given high praise to Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya, saying the composure he brings to the team reminds him of the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Titans, led by Pandya, sailed to their second consecutive IPL final after blowing away five-time champions Mumbai Indians by 62 runs in Qualifier 2 to set up a top clash with four-time winners Chennai Super Kings.
“He (Hardik) has been very open about his admiration and affection for MSD, as has everyone who has followed MSD’s career. When they go to the toss, they will be very friendly and smiling,” Gavaskar told Star Sports. .
“But when it comes to the match, it will be a very different atmosphere. It’s a very good chance for Hardik Pandya to show how fast he has learned.” Pandya took over the captaincy in GT’s inaugural season and led the team to a maiden IPL title.
“When he was captain for the first time last year nobody knew what to expect because he was also one of the most exciting and exciting cricketers. But we’ve seen that exciting part over the last year,” said Gavaskar.
“The calmness he brings to the team is reminiscent of MSD. This is a happy team, and that is exactly what we see at CSK. Hardik has a lot of credit for that.” Gavaskar also credited GT’s success to coach Ashish Nehra.
“I wouldn’t want to miss Ashish Nehra. He’s one person, when he’s in the dressing room or the communication box, all you can do is laugh. He makes life look so easy and he has one of the sharpest cricket brains,” the 73 year old.
Gujarat had lost to CSK in Qualifier 1. They will make another attempt against Dhoni army in the final on Sunday and Gavaskar said it will be a tough battle for the Chennai team.
“They (GT) have always been a top class team. Look at the way they top the table. They finished with 20 points, 3 more than Chennai Super Kings. It tells you how Gujarat Titans dominated in the league stages. come as no surprise that they have reached the final, they have played champion cricket.
“And that’s why they’re in the finals. CSK knows they’ve got a real, real fight on their hands.”
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