Hardik Pandya’s captaincy debut in the IPL 2022 was nothing short of a dream. After getting released by the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI), he was picked by Gujarat Titans (GT), a debutant franchise for a hefty price tag of INR 15 crores. This decision proved to be a stroke of brilliance, as Pandya had the season of his life with both bat and ball.

When it came to Hardik's swift climb to captaincy, plenty of cricket legends praised the superstar all-rounder for demonstrating leadership skills in the IPL 2022. Pandya received praise from everyone from Sunil Gavaskar to Sanjay Manjrekar for leading the Gujarat franchise to their first title in his first season as captain. 

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After the conclusion of the IPL 15 season, spin legend Harbhajan Singh praised the GT skipper, saying that the 28-year-old may lead India's white-ball team in the future.

"Hardik Pandya has got to be the best captain of IPL 2022. He showed intent as a leader. Whatever doubts that were there surrounding his fitness, he has cleared all of them. His positive captaincy is a good sign for the future because he can lead Team India if needed," Harbhajan told Sportskeeda.

The stylish all-rounder smashed several records in the course of the 15th edition of the IPL. On Sunday (May 29), he surpassed  MS Dhoni by winning his sixth title as a player. 

The Baroda cricketer is the first captain to hit 30+ runs and take three wickets in a T20 event final (franchise-based).

"Pandya has a different personality altogether off the field. But, when he is on it, he is a different leader. He is very serious, calm, and composed on the field. He showed how to take the team forward. He impressed the most," added the legendary spinner.

(SPORTSKEEDA INPUTS)