Hardik Pandya led Gujarat Titans to IPL 2022 title victory.
Indian cricketer Krunal Pandya on Tuesday (31st May) penned down an emotional message for his brother Hardik Pandya after the latter led Gujarat Titans (GT) to the title victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022.
GT etched their name in the record books after they won IPL in their inaugural season. They achieved the feat after they defeated Rajasthan Royals (IPL) in the final by 7 wickets.
Although it was a collective effort from the entire team, skipper Hardik Pandya deserves additional credit for the team’s title-winning triumph. The all-rounder led from the front and played a pivotal role with both bat and ball and also displayed impressive leadership skills throughout the tournament, which was lauded by many.
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Coming into the tournament, Pandya was under a scanner as he was in and out of Team India due to fitness issues. After he underwent back surgery in 2019, the flamboyant all-rounder struggled to bowl regularly.
Pandya was last seen in action during the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Much like Team India’s campaign, the all-rounder too struggled to get going. His selection in the marquee tournament even invited a lot of criticism as many were of the opinion that an unfit cricketer shouldn't find a place in the team.
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However, he replied to the critics in style in the recently concluded IPL 15. He was the fourth-highest run-getter in the tournament with 487 runs to his name and also took 8 wickets in the tournament.
The GT skipper also was awarded Player of the Match in the final as he returned with the figures of 3/17 and also scored crucial 34 runs with the bat.
Following his heroics in the IPL, Krunal Pandya took to his official Twitter account and wrote an emotional message for Hardik, lauding him for the hard work he put in.
“My bro. Only you know the amount of hard work that’s gone behind this success of yours - early mornings, countless hours of training, discipline and mental strength. And to see you lift the trophy is the fruits of your hard work. You deserve it all and so much more,” Krunal tweeted.
Hardik’s heroics in the IPL even earned him a recall to the Indian T20I side for the upcoming series against South Africa, which will start from 9th June.