Legendary Indian player Sunil Gavaskar acknowledged Hardik Pandya’s metamorphosis to his time as captain of the IPL 2022 winners Gujarat Titans.
India defeated Pakistan on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium by a margin of five wickets.
Hardik remained unbeaten on 33 off 17 balls when pursuing 148, and he formed an important partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (35 off 29 balls). The pair added 52 runs for the fifth wicket, a significant contribution to the Rohit Sharma-led team’s victory.
In Rishabh Pant’s absence, Jadeja was given an upgrade in the chain of command. After India had collapsed to 89/4 inside 15 overs, he and Pandya meticulously managed the scoring rate.
The way Hardik Pandya evaluates the issue astounds me: Gavaskar, Sunil
In the penultimate over, Hardik hit three boundaries off Harris Rauf to help India narrow the gap. Mohammad Nawaz trapped Jadeja on the opening delivery of the final over when seven runs were still needed.
On the third delivery, Nawaz attempted to put Hardik under strain by bowling a dot ball to him, but the Indian all-rounder casually launched him for a six over long-on to win the match.
Gavaskar claimed that since being named captain of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL this season, Hardik’s ability to read the game has improved significantly.
“Hardik Pandya’s entire game has advanced to a new level. It’s not only the way he is playing the game; it’s the way he has been reading the game since since he was named the Gujarat Titans’ captain. It’s incredible how he analyses a scenario and adjusts his play accordingly. We had him toward the finish, thank God, Gavaskar said to India Today.
Hardik Pandya made effective use of the bouncer: Gavaskar, Sunil
During India’s bowling, Hardik also assisted veteran bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4/26) To get his wickets in the middle order, Hardik employed the bouncer precisely.
Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Khushdil Shah were all out for 25, and Pakistan was reduced to 147 all out in 19.5 overs.
There was a little bit more carry and bounce, and he made excellent use of that knowledge, according to Gavaskar.
Because of his added velocity, “He employed the bouncer to terrific purpose. He can produce pace because he has such a wonderful rhythm, and that’s what he was doing, said Gavaskar.
On August 31 at the same location, India will play their following Asia Cup 2022 match versus Hong Kong.
Also read : After Team India defeated Pakistan in the 2022 Asia Cup, AB de Villiers praised them.