His hard work has paid off: Rashid Khan on Hardik Pandya's resurgence

Rashid Khan hugs Hardik Pandya during an IPL game [Image Credits- Twitter]

Champion Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan heaped high praise on his Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya following the latter's match-winning heist against Pakistan on Sunday.

Speaking to the media in the press-conference ahead of Afghanistan's encounter against Afghanistan, Khan said that having a versatile player like Hardik gives a team a lot of options.

Rashid, who played with Hardik in the recent IPL, doffed his hat off to the Baroda all-rounder, stating that his hard work has paid full dividends.

He further added that a player like Hardik thrives under the burden of responsibility, something that has been on full show over the course of the last six months.

Here's what Rashid Khan said:

If you have such players like Hardik Pandya in the team then it gives the captain a lot of options. His hard work has paid off. Last year when I played with him, I think he has improved as a captain a lot in IPL. When a player gets such kind of responsibility then it makes him a better player, and the results are for everyone to see" he added.

Hardik Pandya has been a revelation this year

Hardik in action

Hardik was at the peak of his powers on Sunday as he claimed three priceless Pakistan wickets before finishing the game off in style with a six in the 20th over of India's run-chase.

Sunday's performance was a recurring theme that has played out over and over again in the last six months.

Hardik has showcased his big match temperament to the hilt this year. His all-round performance in the IPL final helped Gujarat Titans claim the coveted title in their maiden season.

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