Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya on Friday said that he relishes the extra responsibilities captaincy brings as he led GT to their third successive win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Rahul Tewatia hit a couple of sixes off the last two deliveries after the talented Shubman Gill’s magnificent 96 off just 59 balls as Gujarat sealed a dramatic six-wicket win over Punjab Kings.
Hardik has been impressive as a captain as Gujarat Titans are now the only unbeaten side in the league and they have achieved 2nd position in the points table after the six-wicket win. Hardik has assumed a new role with the bat, playing at No.4 for the Gujarat franchise, contrary to No.5 or 6, where he batted for Mumbai Indians and for Team India in the T20 format. He also returned to bowling his full quota of four overs.
“I am enjoying captaincy. As a cricketer, I always wanted responsibility in my life. Responsibilities have made me a better cricketer because you improve only when you face challenges,” Hardik Pandya said in the post-match press conference.
“I have been on both sides. I have won also, lost also. I am cool and composed because I want to be neutral whether it’s a loss or a win. Our team’s motto is also the same. We win or lose, the atmosphere of the dressing room should be the same,” Hardik added.
“We celebrate our losses as well, because that is also something very important as a team as it gives us more value when we win,” Hardik added.
Hardik also said bowling a full quota of four overs in the IPL is tiring, but insisted he is getting better with each passing game. The Gujarat Titans skipper has bowled a full quota of four overs in all three of the team’s matches in the ongoing IPL. “I am going to get better with every game. I am getting tired as I’m not used to bowling four overs. But I’m getting better,” Pandya said at the post-match presentation after his side defeated Punjab Kings by six wickets.
