In his short international career, Hardik Pandya has seen it all – highs and lows, injuries, surgeries, being embroiled in controversy – but he says he faces them with a smile on his face. Not only did Pandya shine as an all-rounder, but also as a leader, taking an underrated Gujarat Titans to the finals in a dreamed-up IPL debut season. “People are always talking, that’s their job. I can’t help it,” Pandya said in a virtual media interview after leading the Titans to a seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday night to seal a final berth. .
“The name ‘Hardik Pandya’ always sells. I have no problem with it, I just take it easy with a smiling face.” Making his international debut in 2016 following his success with Mumbai Indians, expectations skyrocketed with Pandya as he was compared to legendary World Cup winning India skipper Kapil Dev.
In 2019, Pandya was suspended for his casual talk about women on ‘Koffee with Karan’. He later apologized to the BCCI’s Commission of Inquiry.
The 28-year-old all-rounder made his final appearance for India against Namibia at the T20 World Cup in Dubai on November 8, then struggled to manage his bowling workload following back surgery.
Released by Mumbai Indians, Hardik was picked by Gujarat for Rs 15 crore ahead of this IPL season.
Questions were raised when he was given the captaincy for a team making his debut, but Pandya has performed it be it with the bat, the ball or in his ‘Captain Cool’ demeanor, just like his mentor MS Dhoni.
“It is clear that Mahi bhai has played a big part in my life. He is a dear brother, a dear friend and family to me,” Pandya said.
“…I learned a lot of good things from him. For me it was more about being strong individually, which I am really proud of and how I was able to master all parts.” Pandya, who usually comes in at number four, is the fifth most productive hitters this season, with 453 runs averaging over 45 and a healthy strike rate of 132.84.
Pandya also came in handy with the ball and made crucial breakthroughs for his team. He has bowled 26.3 overs and taken five wickets so far with an economy of 7.73.
“Even before the captaincy, I always made sure to approach all situations soberly. In general, you make better decisions this way,” he said of his recipe for success in this IPL.
“For me in my life, and during my cricket journey, it was important to give those 10 extra seconds instead of running in.” Hardik chased a stiff 189 for a win over a tricky Eden wicket and played the part of an anchor with an unbeaten 40, while David Miller finished in style with 68 not out of 38 balls.
“It was very easy for me. I’ve also been in situations like this before. I try to make sure I’m neutral and calm. It helps to make the right decision,” said Pandya.
“When you’re too excited or too excited sometimes, you tend to make wrong decisions where you don’t have to. For me, it was important to partner up and be there to the end.
“When Miller came in, I had to make sure I put a little bit of pressure on him and scored quick runs and you saw what Miller did after he was set.” Gujarat needed 16 runs in the last over and Miller crushed Prasidh Krishna for a hat-trick of six to seal the deal.
“I’m really proud of the way he (Miller) has improved his game. He’s a really damn good, great guy. I was proud to play with him, enjoy it. I always wanted good things to happen to him.” would happen,” said Hardik. said in praise of the South African.
Miller started slow and had 10 from 14 balls as Pandya scored clear, but the skipper then slowed as the South African ramped it up in their match-winning uninterrupted partnership of 106.
“A lot of people counted down David Miller. But for us, he has always been a match winner from the moment we bought him in the auctions. We always knew what he was capable of,” Pandya said of Miller, who was bought for Rs 3 crore .
“We always expected him to do that. It was about giving him that importance, that love and clarity about what we expect from him. If he fails, it’s okay, it’s just a game.” Pandya also praised star spinner Rashid Khan’s neat bowling show of 4-0-15-0 which put a brake on Rajasthan Royals scoring midway through the overs.
“He (Rashid) plays a big role, he has been a match winner for his country, his previous franchise. He is always a proven match winner. There is no difference.”
“I just relax when I hand him the ball and let him do his magic. He comes up with new magic tricks all the time. Always great to have him on your team,” said Pandya.
Asked about Sunday’s IPL final at home in Motera, Pandya said: “It’s going to be fantastic, such a huge stadium, our home ground, home state.
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“I’m assuming we’ll get a full house there to support us. We’re all excited and looking forward to the final there,” he signed.
(This story was not edited by DailyExpertNews staff and was generated automatically from a syndicated feed.)
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