India all-rounder and currently the skipper of the new IPL franchise Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya, has been making a lot of news now, all thanks to his terrific performances. He has managed to take Gujarat Titans through to the playoffs, by defeating KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 62 runs in the ongoing 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League.
Hardik Pandya, who was marred by injury since the 2021 T20 World Cup, went through a horrible phase in his career. The cricketer was not in great form over the last two seasons, while injuries also hampered his fitness. After a prolonged slump, he was even axed from the Indian squad following India’s disastrous T20 World Cup campaign in the UAE last year.
He was ruled “finished” by several experts and cricket pundits and was getting criticized from all corners. In fact, the star player, who was associated with Mumbai Indians since the start of his career, wasn’t retained by the franchise.
However, destiny had something else in store for him. He made a sensational return to form in the ongoing 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League. He silenced his critics with his terrific performances – both with the bat and the ball. Not just this, With 18 points in its name, so far, Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans became the first team to qualify for the IPL 2022 playoffs.
Meanwhile, when the cricketer was getting criticized after he was dropped from the Indian squad, BCCI’s President Sourav Ganguly extended his support to him. With his interview, Ganguly had shut all the critics who were hinting toward a rift between the board and Pandya. He also wished for a speedy comeback by the cricketer. He had said:
“He [Hardik Pandya] is a good cricketer. He’s not fit, that’s why he’s not there in the team. He’s young, I hope he makes a comeback after recovering from his injury,” Dada had said.
Hardik and his GT squad will be next seen in action in a game against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday.
