IPL 2022 Playoffs: Captain Cool Hardik Pandya – On Tuesday, Gujarat Titans became the first team to qualify for the IPL 2022 final as they defeated Rajasthan Royals in the Qualifier 1. While the Titans have had many match-winners this season, one player who should be specially credited is their skipper Hardik Pandya, for his excellent leadership ability. Follow IPL 2022 LIVE Updates with InsideSport.IN
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IPL 2022 Playoffs: New ‘Captain Cool’ Hardik Pandya hits critics for a SIX, says ‘My name sells, no problem with criticism’
Questions were raised when he was handed the captaincy for a team making its debut, but Hardik has delivered, be it with the bat, ball or in his calm demeanour. Given the resemblance of Hardik’s captaincy style with his mentor MS Dhoni, he has earned the nickname of ‘New Captain Cool’.
Speaking on that, the all-rounder said “Obviously Mahi bhai has played a big role in my life. He’s a dear brother, a dear friend, and family to me. I’ve learnt a lot of good things from him. For me, it was more about being individually strong, which I’m really proud of, as well how I was able to manage all the parts.”
Mostly coming at number four, Hardik is at the fifth spot in the chart for most prolific batters this season, with 453 runs at a 45-plus average and a healthy strike rate of 132.84. Hardik has also come handy with the ball, getting crucial breakthroughs for his team. He has bowled 26.3 overs so far and taken five wickets with an economy of 7.73.
IPL 2022 Playoffs: New ‘Captain Cool’ Hardik Pandya hits critics for a SIX, says ‘My NAME sells, no problem with criticism’
On being asked about his recipe for success, Pandya said “Before the captaincy as well, I always made sure that I approached all the situations in a cool-headed way. Generally, you make better decisions that way.”
In his short international career, Hardik Pandya has seen it all — highs and lows, injuries, surgery, being embroiled in controversies — but he says he faces them with a smile. Putting behind all these, Hardik has shone not just as an all-rounder but as a leader, taking an under-rated Gujarat Titans to the final in a dream IPL debut season.
“People always talk, that’s their job. I can’t help,” Hardik said in a virtual media interaction 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’ve no problem with it, I just take it easy with a smiling face,” he further added.
Meanwhile, as for the game, GT chased. stiff 189 for a win on a tricky Eden wicket in Qualifier 1. Hardik played the role of an anchor with an unbeaten 40, while David Miller finished off in style with 68 not out from 38 balls.
“It was very simple for me. I’ve been in this kind of situation before as well. I try to make sure that I’m neutral and calm. It helps to make the right decision,” Hardik said.
“If you are too excited sometimes or too hyped up you tend to make wrong decisions where you don’t need to. For me, it was important to create partnerships and be there till the end,” the GT skipper further added.
IPL 2022 Playoffs: New ‘Captain Cool’ Hardik Pandya hits critics for a SIX, says ‘My NAME sells, no problem with criticism’
Gujarat needed 16 runs in the final over and Miller smashed Prasidh Krishna for a hat-trick of sixes to seal the deal.
“I am genuinely proud of the way he (Miller) has lifted his game. He is genuinely a damn good, wonderful guy. I was proud to play with him, enjoy it. I always wanted good things to happen to him,” Hardik said in praise of the South African.
Asked about Sunday’s IPL final at home ground at Motera, Hardik said, “It’s going to be fantastic, such a massive stadium, our home ground, home state. I’m assuming we’re going to get a full house supporting us there. We’re all excited, looking forward to the final there.”
IPL 2022 Playoffs: New ‘Captain Cool’ Hardik Pandya hits critics for a SIX, says ‘My NAME sells, no problem with criticism’
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