IND vs SA | I think his leadership was very impressive right through the IPL: Rahul Dravid

India head coach Rahul Dravid has heaped high praise on the leadership qualities of all-rounder Hardik Pandya following the Baroda cricketer's IPL-winning heist with the Gujarat Titans.

Pandya led from the front with both bat and ball and was a leader to silence his doubters and lead the new franchise Gujarat Titans to glory in front of 104000 fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium Ahmedabad last month.

Hardik joined the Indian set-up a day after the squad hit the nets ahead of the 1st T20I against South Africa in Delhi. 

Speaking to the reporters, Dravid confirmed that Hardik and other players involved in the IPL final were given an extra day off.

Dravid also added that one doesn't need to be a designated leader to be a part of the leadership group in the Indian team, besides stressing that the management will look to get the best out of the all-rounder.

"I just met Hardik a couple of hours ago. For the guys who played the final, we gave them an extra day off. But I think his leadership was very impressive right through the IPL. He performed very well," Dravid said, as quoted by India Today.

"In the sense, you don't have to be designated as a leader to be part of any leadership group. It's not only about Hardik being designated in a position. At this point in time, it's really about it's good from our perspective that he has started bowling again. We know what that does for us and what his bowling can add to our depth," he added.

"It's about ensuring that we can get the best out of him as a cricketer, in terms of bowling, batting, and fielding, and in terms of what happens ahead, it depends on many factors. The selectors will take that decision in terms of what happens in the future," he added.

The former Indian captain also expressed his delight that so many young Indian cricketers led their IPL franchises brilliantly, adding that such an experience will help them grow as cricketers.

"It's great that we have many Indian captains in the IPL doing well. Hardik is one of them. KL Rahul did a good job at LSG. Sanju did well for the Royals. It's really nice to see the younger guys leading,"

"It helps people grow and develop as players. It helps you grow as a person also. It's great from our perspective that there are a lot of leadership positions for young Indians in the IPL," Dravid added.

The 1st T20I of the five-match series will take place in Delhi on June 09, and Indian fans will hope that Hardik carries his IPL form into international cricket.

The Baroda cricketer smashed 487 runs in 15 outings besides claiming eight wickets, three of which came in the summit clash against the Royals.