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Gujarat Titans (GT) have stunned everyone in their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) season by reaching the final. While many questioned Hardik Pandya’s leading capabilities, the all-rounder has proven his critics wrong. Not only did he make the right decisions as a captain but led from the front with his batting as well. Impressed by the all-rounder’s overall performance, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh lauded him ahead of the final clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
“Nobody actually knew about it. What Hardik Pandya had in store as a captain or how dangerous he can be in the middle with the bat. We have seen him finishing game for Mumbai Indians but this is the other side of Hardik Pandya,” a surprised Harbhajan told Sports Today on the eve of IPL 2022 final.
Harbhajan feels that Hardik has come a long way after the infamous Koffee with Karan episode that led to a string of controversies. He also revealed that he apologised to Hardik and KL Rahul for his comments on the episode.
“Yes, that controversy happened. We also spoke about it. I had to go and say sorry to him. Rather than standing by him, I made a few comments which were not right at that time. I spoke to him and KL also because I have made a lot of mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. That (Koffee with Karan ) is past. I am proud of these guys. They have done a commendable job. Rahul has been a fantastic player for team India. Hardik has been unbelievable,” he recalled.
Harbhajan also sees major changes in how the Baroda all-rounder conducts himself on the field as Titans skipper and compared him to how he meets players off the field.
“He is leading the team from the front, bowling those crucial overs in between. How calm he is. Normally, he is not like that. When you meet him, he is full of energy. But when you see him leading the team on the field, he is calm and composed. Batting at no.3, it shows how much he cares for the team,” the 41-year-old shared his observations.
While India have made Rahul as captain for the five-T20I series against South Africa at home next month in the absence of Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan says that Hardik is also one of the strong contenders to lead India.
“This is a great sign for Hardik Pandya and for all the fans that we have another leader in him. If at all, team India need a new leader, Hardik Pandya is one of the top contenders. You can look at him and say he is the next Indian captain,” he opined.
