What can back to back great performances fetch you? The Gujarat Titans' star just basked in the 'Junior Dhoni' title from Gujarat Titans left-arm spinner Sai Kishore. After the IPL 2022, Pandya was praised for his leadership and his cool and collected demeanour in high-pressure situations.
Whatever doubts there were regarding Hardik Pandya's ability to lead a franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season were dispelled when Gujarat Titans won the prized trophy in their inaugural season. The all-rounder captained Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2022 title, earning player of the match honours in the final and finishing as the team's leading run-scorer.
After the competition, the 28-year-old was praised for his leadership and cool and collected temperament in high-pressure situations.
A feat for Hardik Pandya, his captaincy has been compared to that of former India captain MS Dhoni. Gujarat Titans left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore, who was with Chennai Super Kings before the IPL 2022 season.
"There are a lot of similarities between the two. Much like Dhoni, Hardik has the knack for getting the best out of his players. Both put the team before themselves, and that's what you expect from your leader," Sai Kishore stated.
"I would call Hardik the junior version of Dhoni," remarked the spinner.
Sai Kishore did not play for CSK during his time there, but he made his IPL debut for the Titans this season against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), taking two wickets for just seven runs in two overs. He went on to play in every game after that, including taking a wicket in the final.
"It was a great season, but I feel I can do better. I will want to continue improving my game in the coming months," Sai Kishore said.
And, despite the fact that he did not play for CSK, he credits Dhoni for a lot of his knowledge.