Gujarat Titans’ skipper Hardik Pandya is over the moon with his team, after becoming the first franchise to qualify for the playoffs, now have sealed a top-two spot following their thumping 7-wicket win over defending champions Chennai Super Kings. It was sweet for Hardik that this victory came at what was the home ground – Wankhede Stadium – of his previous franchise, Mumbai Indians.
Leading in the IPL for the first time, Hardik has impressed everyone with his brilliant captaincy on the field and leadership off it.
When asked about his views on his own captain, the 28-year-old smiled and said he had “pretty alright”. He then gave plenty of credit to the Mumbai Indians management for teaching him how to take and handle responsibility and ownership of oneself.
“Yes, I would say I did pretty alright because having played in a previous franchise where a lot of responsibility was given to us as well and the kind of cricketer I am, I have always enjoyed responsibility where it kind of gives me ownership of things where I can control,” Hardik said in the post-match ceremony.
“And I feel where I have batted throughout my career has given me a lot of idea about how the game is going, which kind of bowler will be important in certain situations. Playing for a different franchise and doing what I have done in the past has helped me in my captaincy,” he added.
The all-rounder also talked about his equation with head coach Ashish Nehra, saying that he gets along nicely with him.
“Ashish Nehra and me are very similar in terms of mindsets. Our game sense… the best thing is without saying I kind of connect with him,” the GT skipper said.
With 20 points in the bank, the Titans will face the Royal Challengers Bangalore for their last group game on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium before they fly to Kolkata for Qualifier 1, slated for May 24.
