Hardik Pandya. Photo-IPL
Hardik Pandya. Photo-IPL

Hardik Pandya’s excellent captaincy and precisely prepared innings in the Qualifier 1 match against the Rajasthan Royals have been hailed by Mohammad Kaif.

Pandya guided the Gujarat Titans (GT) to a seven-wicket triumph over the Royals in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday (May 24). The victory enabled the Titans to qualify for the IPL 2022 final, which will be contested in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 29.

Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif (BCCI/IPL)

Mohammad Kaif was questioned about his thoughts on Pandya’s leadership during a Star Sports discussion. He replied, ”

“On every ball, the guy (Pandya) stays at mid-off and chats to the bowlers, so much synchronization, so much conversation, you could talk about openness or role. In this IPL, there was no great leader than Hardik Pandya, who led his team to victory.”

Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya. (Photo: IPL)

“After winning the toss, he knows whether to bat or bowl. They won eight of their first nine games, then performed poorly after that, and came into this game having lost three of their previous five games.”

“This was a high-pressure encounter for them, but they nevertheless stated that these are new circumstances, that it is gloomy and raining, and that they will bat first,” Mohammad Kaif Added.

‘Hardik Pandya’s start provided Miller the opportunity to play: Kaif

Kaif praised Pandya for letting David Miller get his sight in at the other end during Tuesday’s game, despite Pandya’s knock. He continued:

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David Miller and Hardik Pandya
David Miller and Hardik Pandya. Image: Twitter

“Miller was given time thanks to Hardik Pandya’s strong start. Miller took his time, but when Pandya arrived, he immediately began hitting his shots. Miller was dealt fours and didn’t hit a six, but he was relieved that he could take his time.”

After the Titans were reduced to 85/3 in the tenth over, Pandya and Miller put up an unbroken 106-run partnership.

On May 29, GT will face the winner of Qualifier 2 in the final (Sunday).

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