GT vs LSG: 'He Showed Character, Those Four Overs Were Important,' Ravi Shastri Happy With Hardik Pandya's All-Round Return

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri was pleasantly surprised by the Gujarat Titans captain’s Hardik Pandya ‘excellent’ all-round return to cricket.

The major talking topic before the fourth game of the 15th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), between Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, was whether Hardik Pandya will finally play as an all-rounder.

Hardik Pandya delivered four overs for 37 runs in his first cricket encounter since the T20 World Cup in October of last year. He also played at No.4 for the Titans, hitting 33 runs off 28 balls, hitting five boundaries and one six.

Ravi Shastri, who revealed that he had his eyes on Hardik during the match, praised the all-return rounder’s as a bowler, saying that while he didn’t get a wicket, those four overs will serve as a confidence booster for the lad.

Ravi Shastri was impressed with Hardik’s character:

“First and foremost, the entire country was watching him, and I was watching him see if he was going to bowl today or not. He also took four overs. He did not take a wicket, but his four overs were crucial. It’s because his game, as well as the confidence he got from it, will now be multiplied by two,” he explained.

Hardik’s character, especially with the bat, impressed the former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri, who came in at No. 4 and helped the Titans with the run chase after two fast dismissals.

“I believe he had outstanding character”. When it came to hitting, this was especially true. When two wickets fell, he stepped in at No. 4 and took full responsibility, which was a positive omen for Gujarat going forward. And he batted wonderfully until he gambled a little too much against his brother (Krunal). But, up until that point, his batting was solid, he made beautiful strokes, and he played safe shots. He continued, “Had he stayed, the game would have been over long ago.”

Gujarat Titans beat Lucknow Super Giants by five wickets to begin their IPL campaign with a victory. With two balls to spare in a 159-run chase, Rahul Tewatia (40 not out) and Abhinav Manohar (15*) kept their cool and guided Gujarat to victory.

Also Read: GT vs LSG: ‘Did Sachin Tendulkar, Me, Or Gambhir Hit Such ‘Cheeky Shots?’ Virender Sehwag Criticizes Gill’s Batting, After A Three-Ball Duck