India legend Sunil Gavaskar has revealed that Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Hardik Pandya reminds him of Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Rohit Sharma. Gavaskar said that the added responsibility of leadership has transformed the all-rounder into a much-improved batter.
Hardik has looked a better as a cricketer and his game has been top-notch ever since he was appointed as the Titans’ captain. He has led the team from the front as Gujarat stand on the cusp of becoming the first team to reach the IPL 2022 playoffs.
Gavaskar reckoned that there are similarities between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya’s leadership qualities. Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar said, “What I see with Hardik is exactly what happened to Rohit Sharma when he first got the captaincy of Mumbai Indians midway through the season (in IPL 2013).”
“Suddenly (we saw) Rohit Sharma from playing those lovely cameos of 40s, 50s, and 60s, now staying right till the end and taking responsibility. His shot selections became much better (with his captaincy). Similarly, you can see that happening with Hardik, his shot selection is absolutely terrific,” he added.
Hardik Pandya’s records in IPL 2022
The 28-year-old all-rounder, who was released by MI ahead of the mega auction, was roped in by GT as one of three draft picks alongside Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill.
In eight matches so far, Hardik has scored 308 runs at an average of 51.33, including three half-centuries. He has also contributed with the ball for his team, picking up four wickets. Hardik Pandya will hope to continue the good work as he looks to make a comeback to the Indian side after a long injury layoff.
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