The resounding return of Gujarat Titans' (GT) skipper Hardik Pandya has hogged a fair share of limelight in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). He is also nipping on the heels of the IPL 2022's Orange Cap holder Jos Buttler as Hardik has scored a total of 262 runs in a total of six matches in compared to the English batter who has amassed 491 runs in six matches.
The new avatar of the skipper Pandya has also garnered praise from the cricket great Sunil Gavaskar. The former India captain is highly impressed with Hardik and sees a different version of the all-rounder. He feels that Hardik is batting with discipline and making good use of field restrictions and has raised his game.
"He didn't play a lot of cricket before the IPL because he was trying to get fully fit with all the problems he had due to the injury," Gavaskar told Star Sports.
"(Now) Look at the discipline he's showing in his batting. He's batting well in the powerplay and making full use of the field restrictions, he's doing exceedingly well in the field. So basically, that thinking cap is on; and once that happens your game just goes up," added Gavaskar, a former India captain," he further added.
Leading from the front, the star Baroda all-rounder has rescued his side on multiple occasions with some gritty knocks. Hardik has contributed with the ball as well and is an important cog in the wheel for the Titans.
Marred by a series of injury Pandya had struggled to manage his bowling workload post his back surgery in 2019. But now since he has showed a massive turn around in his approach post the injury, he is well on his way to make a case for the upcoming T20 World Cup with his all-round show.
Meanwhile, former India pacer Irfan Pathan too lauded Pandya for his responsible knocks.
"This is a new Hardik Pandya. This is a better version of him. It was nice to see the situations in which he has played this season. The good thing about Hardik is that he is batting responsibly at No. 4," said Pathan.
"Whether it is team India or Gujarat Titans, Hardik is the most suited batsman at number four. This is because he can take the responsibility," signed off Pathan.
Hardik will look to extend his good form in the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday.
