Gujarat Titans won the IPL 2022 final under Hardik Pandya's captaincy.
Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder, had a triumphant return to top-flight cricket in the IPL 2022. Pandya's return to form was heartening to behold, especially for Indian cricket fans, as he led Gujarat Titans (GT) to their first IPL title in their debut season.
The fact that he bowled at full throttle, clocking in at over 140kph, completing his 4-over quota in multiple matches, was the most significant positive.
If Pandya can perform at his best for India during the World Cup, he can once again be a game-changer.
Despite his success in the IPL 2022, Pandya's fitness and consistency have been questioned by former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin, who isn't convinced he can keep up the duty of bowling 4 overs in every match in T20Is.
Also Read: IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya's captaincy real lesson to many other captains- GT mentor Gary Kirsten
"He has the ability, he has done well for the Indian team, but because of the injuries, he was not in the team consistently. He has come back now; he is bowling his four overs. How long he will bowl we really don't know. But we definitely want him to bowl since he is an all-rounder," Khaleej Times quoted Azharuddin as saying.
Hardik bowled his 4-over quota regularly in the first few matches for GT, hitting the 140kph mark as well. But a groin injury put a halt to that and he only bowled in a handful of matches later on.
But in the IPL 2022 final agast RR, Hardik picked his IPL best figures of 3/17 and was awarded Player of the Match, after he also made 34 runs in GT's chase. Pandya concluded the season with 487 runs, four fifties, and eight wickets, but Azharuddin believes Pandya's performance still has potential for improvement.
"In the IPL final (against Rajasthan Royals), he completely changed the game, three wickets in four overs, then he scored 34 quick runs. He is a good talent, just needs that consistency," mentioned Azhar.