IPL 2022 | LSG vs GT | Skipper Hardik Pandya 2.0

The two debutants of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT), will take the field against each other today at the MCA Stadium in Pune. Both the teams have played an excellent brand of cricket in the tournament and are sitting at the top of the points table. Lucknow and Gujarat both have won eight of their eleven matches. However, LSG are currently top of the table because of a better net run rate.

Before the match begins, we will take a look at the performance of the Gujarat skipper, Hardik Pandya. IPL 2022 has witnessed a new version of the all-rounder, who has shown considerable growth in all aspects of his game. He has been one of the most important contributors to Gujarat's amazing performance in their first season. 

Let us look at the different aspects of the new version of the Indian star all-rounder:

Hardik Pandya, the Batter: Since his debut in 2016, Hardik Pandya has been a part of the Mumbai Indians team till 2021. The MI team management used him as a finisher who would come in at number 6 or 7 and give his team a fiery finish. Thus, Hardik coming in and playing a powerful little cameo was a sight we were accustomed to. 

Let us look at his performance during his MI years:

Innings: 75  Runs: 1476  SR: 153.91  50s: 4  RPI: 19.68

During his days at MI, we saw Hardik Pandya, the pinch hitter. His best year in the Mumbai kit was 2019. 

So, let us take a look at his record in that season:

Innings: 15  Runs: 402  SR: 191.42  50s: 1 RPI: 26.8

Both the stats make it evident that the cost of Hardik's wicket during his MI years was less. This is because he was sent to take on the bowlers and up the scoring rate. 

But ever since he took up the Gujarat team's reins, there has been a visible change in his approach towards batting. This season, we have seen a more responsible and consistent Hardik Pandya, the batter.

Innings: 10  Runs: 333  SR: 134.27  50s: 3  RPI: 33.33

So, the stats are evidence of Hardik's consistency. His strike rate has dropped, but his RPI has improved considerably. Another noticeable thing is the frequency of big scores. While he had only four half-centuries in the previous six years, he has already scored three this year. So, a more solid and responsible Hardik, the batter, will also be an asset for India.

Hardik Pandya, the bowler: Hardik Pandya's bowling adds excellent value to the team he is a part of. He had been bowling less frequently due to his shoulder injury before his break from the action. Much to the relief of the fans, Hardik Pandya was bowling from the beginning of the 2022 season of IPL. But he pulled up his groin mid-season and has not been bowling since. Fans will be hoping that he recovers soon and starts bowling again.

Let us compare the bowling records of his career and that of IPL 2022:

Career

Innings: 65 Overs: 163.2 Wickets: 46 ER: 8.9 BPD: 31

IPL 2022

Innings: 5 Overs: 18.3 Wickets: 4 ER: 7.57 BPD: 28

His figures suggest that he has been much more economical and potent as a bowler in IPL 2022. Besides, there has been a change in his approach as a bowler also. While he used to ball a hard length earlier, there was also not much variation in his bowling. But this year, he was seen bowling a much fuller length and looked to vary his pace. Hardik Pandya's bowling will be an asset for India. It will add dynamism to the team and the flexibility to go with an added specialist in either batting or bowling.

Hardik Pandya, the Captain: The biggest revelation of IPL 2022 has been Hardik Pandya, the captain. He has led the team from the front with a brilliant show in all the departments of the game. He has batted with responsibility and ensured that he lays a strong foundation for the batters to come in toward the end.

He has been proactive with his decisions. For example, in the match against Kolkata (35th Match), Hardik came out to bat at number three. He noticed his team's woes in finding a good number three batter and promoted himself from number four to three.

Hardik has also taken notes from other skippers and adapted according to game situations. Besides marshalling his troops effectively and making gutsy moves in crunch situations has also been a trademark of his leading style.

Pandya, in general, is a relaxed personality which has also helped the team to hold their nerves. The team has been able to keep cool in even the most intense situations because of the free-flowing environment that he and the coaching staff have created in the dressing room.