'Junior Version Of MS Dhoni'- Sai Kishore praises Hardik Pandya

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.

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ZIM vs AFG 2022 | 1st ODI | Preview, Prediction, Probable XI, CREX XI

Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will clash in the 1st fixture of the 3-match ODI series on Saturday (June 4) at Harare Sports Club. In their last 50-over series, Zimbabwe faced Sri Lanka and lost the series 1-2. The best batter for the team was Sean Williams, and Richard Ngarava was the pick of the bowlers. However, Williams is on compassionate leave, and Ngarava will be unavailable due to a lower back injury. However, Blessing Muzarabani's return will bolster the team's bowling attack. The likes of Wesley Madhevere and Sikandar Raza were the top performers for the team in the recently concluded T20I series against Namibia and will look to continue the same form. On the other hand, Afghanistan lost their last ODI series against Bangladesh played earlier this year. The team's top batter was Rahmat Shah, and Fazalhaq Farooqui returned with the most wickets. Gulbadin Naib has been dropped for this series due to his bad form. However, one of the finest spinners in the country, Zia-ur-Rahman Akbar, has finally earned his maiden national call-up. The players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan will be the team's key players. Match Details Match: Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, 1st ODI Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare Date & Time: June 4 at 12:45 PM IST Live Streaming: FanCode Pitch Report: The last ODI played at this venue witnessed both the teams scoring around 300 runs, which depicts the stronghold of the batters. The bowlers with fine variations have more chances to succeed on this surface. The team chasing down the score will hold a minor edge in the game. Head-To-Head Zimbabwe and Afghanistan have been up against each other on 25 occasions in the 50-over format. The Afghanistan team has an edge in these encounters with 15 wins. In the last fixture in 2018, Zimbabwe won by two runs. Squads Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Tanaka Chivanga, Luke Jongwe, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande, Wesley Madhevere, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Ainsley Ndlovu, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Donald Tiripano Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Azmatullah Omarzai, Farid Malik, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Ibrahim Zadran, Ikram Alikhail (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Najibullah Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Rashid Khan, Riaz Hassan, Shahidullah Kamal, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia ur Rahman Akbar Probable Playing XI Zimbabwe: Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Dion Myers, Regis Chakabva (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Wessley Madhevere, Milton Shumba, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Yamin Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi CREX XI Suggestion Wicket-Keeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz Batters: Craig Ervine, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, Milton Shumba All-Rounders: Sikandar Raza, Wesley Madhevere Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Blessing Muzarabani, Fazalhaq Farooqui Captain: Rahmanullah Gurbaz Vice-Captain: Rashid Khan