Mumbai: Hardik Pandya has his ‘reflection cap’ this season, according to legendary Sunil Gavaskar, who believes the Gujarat Titans skipper is disciplined and makes good use of restrictions on the pitch which has elevated his game. Baroda’s versatile star led the Gujarat Titans forward, saving the team several times with his responsible shots.Also Read – FULL Scoreboard of Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans, Highlights of IPL 2022 KKR vs DC, Score Report
The all-rounder has also contributed with the ball and is an important cog in the Titans’ wheel. Pandya had struggled to manage his bowling workload after back surgery in 2019. His last appearance for India was against Namibia at the T20 World Cup in Dubai on November 8 last year. Also Read – IPL 2022, RCB vs SRH LIVE Cricket Score, Match 36: Glenn Maxwell leaves; RCB in Spot of Bother
“He didn’t play much cricket before the IPL because he was trying to get back into shape with all the problems he had due to the injury,” Gavaskar told ‘Star Sports’. Also Read – LSG vs MI Dream11 Team Prediction, TATA IPL 2022 Match 37 Fantasy Hints: Captain – Vice Captain Lucknow Super Giants vs MUmbai Indians, playing 11s for today’s T20 match Wankhede Stadium at 7.30pm IST April 24, Sunday
“(Now) Look at the discipline he shows in his stick. He beats well on the power play and makes full use of the restrictions on the field, he does extremely well on the field.
“So basically that reflection ceiling is on; and once that happens, your game goes up,” added Gavaskar, a former India captain.
Former Indian striker Aakash Chopra says Pandya learned good lessons from his “mentor” Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
“I think Hardik obviously treats him (MS Dhoni) as his mentor, he is very close to MS. The number he hits and the role he plays, no one has played it better than Dhoni in the history of white ball cricket,” Chopra said.
“He learned the right lessons from MS. When we are in the company of greatness, we try to take small pieces and it shapes our lives. And that’s what we see with Hardik,” added Chopra.
Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan also praised Pandya for his responsible shots.
“He’s a new Hardik Pandya. He’s a better version of him. It was nice to see the situations he’s played in this season. The good thing about Hardik is he shoots responsibly at the #4,” Pathan said.
“Whether it’s Team India or Gujarat Titans, Hardik is the most apt batsman at number four. That’s because he can take responsibility,” Pathan signed.
