IPL 2022 | 'At four, I can control the game' - Pandya opines after his knock against RR

Hardik Pandya has led Gujarat Titans by example. The flamboyant all-rounder has bowled well with pace and accuracy. And the Titans’ skipper has promoted himself in the batting order, handling the dual responsibility of holding one end and thrilling with his firepower. 

The former Mumbai Indians player delivered a match-winning performance against the much-fancied Rajasthan Royals. Coming in to bat at 15/2, Pandya finished unbeaten on 87 (off 52 balls). Riding on his exceptional performance, GT put on a formidable score of 192/4 at the end of 20 overs. Pandya too chipped in with a wicket on the bowling front as the Royals fell short by 37 runs at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy on Thursday.

Pandya feels that batting at number four allows him to have a more significant say in the game’s dynamics. Speaking at the post-match presentation, he said, “The last game it did not come off, but I made sure I did today. I have been in this situation where I have taken the role of scoring 12-ball30. It is difficult, but now at four, I can control the game.”

Pandya’s determination to lead his franchise from the front is evident in how he battled cramps on route to 87*. He has amassed 228 runs in five innings and is in neck-to-neck competition with the current Orange Cap holder, Jos Buttler. The all-rounder is relishing the opportunity to lead Gujarat Titans.

“Captaincy is fun, and it allows me to take responsibility and be the flag-bearer. The group carries one another. My motto was I wanted everyone to be happy,” concluded Pandya.

The Gujarat Titans sit comfortably at pole position on the league standings with four wins in five matches. They will next be up against the Chennai Super Kings on Sunday (April 17).