GT vs SRH: "Hardik Pandya Hasn't Been Able To Live Up To The Expectations" - Irfan Pathan Critical of All-Rounder's Batting In IPL 2023

Updated - 15 May 2023, 06:29 PM

Hardik Pandya {PC: BCCI/IPL}
Hardik Pandya {PC: BCCI/IPL}

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has highlighted out Gujarat Titans’ skipper Hardik Pandya’s poor form with the bat in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. He said that the defending champions are facing a conundrum at No.3. 

GT skipper Hardik Pandya has been leading the team exceptionally well in the ongoing IPL 2023. The all-rounder has led a team to 8 wins in 12 games and is one of the hot favorites to qualify for the playoffs and win the tournament as well. 

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But what has been concerning for them is the form of skipper Hardik Pandya with the bat. The right-hander this season has promoted himself to No.3. But the move hasn’t worked out as he hasn’t quite got his feet moving and has been struggling to score runs at a fast pace, for which he’s mostly known.

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In the 11 innings, Hardik Pandya has managed 281 runs at a strike rate of 130.69. Apart from this, he has managed just 2 half-centuries and if GT need to fancy their chances for defending the title, the captain needs to shine with the bat. 

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Irfan Pathan said that Hardik Pandya has not lived up to the expectations with the bat and it’ll be tough for team management to figure out a batter at 3 if he isn’t firing. Speaking on Star Sports, he said: 

“Gujarat Titans are facing a batting conundrum at number 3. Hardik hasn’t been able to live up to the expectations with the bat this year. But if he isn’t firing at number three, it will be tough for the team management to figure out whom to send on this position.”

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GT vs SRH: “Gujarat Titans can be the first team to qualify for the playoffs,” says Mohammad Kaif 

Gujarat Titans are currently sitting on the top of the points table. They have two games remaining and one win will book their spot for the Qualifier 1. 

Mohammad Kaif feels that skipper Hardik Pandya wasn’t happy with his team after the loss against Mumbai Indians and now they would be looking to improve their home record. He said: 

“Gujarat Titans can be the first team to qualify for the playoffs with a win against SRH. Captain Hardik Pandya looked unhappy with his and his team’s performance in the previous game and they’ll be looking to make a comeback. Their performance away from home has been good and they’ll be looking to improve the winning record at home this time.” 

Gujarat Titans will be seen in action when they will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their next game on Monday (15th May). They would be hoping to seal the place in playoffs.

Also Read: GT vs SRH Today Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today’s IPL Match? IPL 2023, Match 62

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