Pandya has impressed many with his all-round skills in the ongoing IPL 15.
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Monday (11th April) said that Hardik Pandya is ‘relishing’ the captaincy of Gujarat Titans (GT) in the ongoing IPL 2022. He believes that Team India will need someone of his calibre for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022.
Hardik’s return to the cricket has been exceptional. Not only with his all-round skills, but he has impressed many with his captaincy as well. Under him, GT won their first three matches while losing the latest encounter against SRH.
The all-rounder no doubt has led from the front. He’s equally involved in both batting and bowling. Batting at No.4, he has so far scored 141 runs from 4 games with a healthy average of 47. With the ball, Pandya has taken three wickets at an economy of 7.62.
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The 28-year-old on Monday (April 11) scored his first half-century of the tournament against SRH in Mumbai. Although his side didn’t win the match, his knock helped his side post a fighting total on the board after early wickets.
Speaking on 'Cricket Live' on Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh said that Hardik Pandya seems to be ‘relishing’ his role as a captain of Gujarat Titans. He remarked that an all-rounder leading from the front is a good sign for Team India.
"He seems to be relishing his role as a captain and leading the team from the front. He's performing with the bat for Gujarat Titans and has also started bowling well which are good signs for Team India as well," Harbhajan Singh said.
Harbhajan believes that Pandya is eyeing his India come back and if he can deliver with the ball as well he can be a great asset for Team India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
While correlating him with Rohit Sharma, the former Indian spinner said that the responsibility of captaincy will make Hardik a better player.
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"Look, he aims to make his India come back and if he can start giving those five-six overs with the ball then it will be a big positive for the national side because they'll need a player of his calibre in the T20 World Cup in Australia.
“I believe that the responsibility of leading a team will only make Hardik a better player, a better captain, and a better person. Something similar happened with Rohit Sharma as well," he said.
Harbhajan called Hardik's story inspiring, terming the all-rounder a representation for those who want to "rise from the bottom".
"Hardik's hard work and dedication to fulfil his father's dream (to play cricket for India) is inspiring. He has shown what one can achieve through perseverance. Hardik is representing every person who wishes to rise from the bottom and make a mark for himself," he said.
Pandya will be next seen in action when GT takes on Rajasthan Royals in their next match of IPL 2022 on Thursday (14th April) in Mumbai.
(ANI Inputs)