IPL 2022 Final: If India Need A Captain, Wouldn't Look Past Hardik Pandya - Michael Vaughan

Following Gujarat Titans (GT) title-winning campaign in the IPL 2022 season, former England captain Michael Vaughan reckoned that Hardik Pandya could well be a great candidate for Indian team captaincy.

Hardik led from the front with the bat as he ended up being the top scorer for his team. He also chipped in with the ball at times but most importantly, was calm and composed and showed his leadership skills on the biggest stage.

“Fantastic achievement for a new franchise… If India need a captain in a couple of years I wouldn’t look past @hardikpandya7… Well done Gujurat .. #IPL2022,” Vaughan tweeted following the victory.

“I have always fancied myself as a batter” – Hardik Pandya

The 27-year-old all-rounder finished the season with 487 runs in his kitty in 15 matches at an average of 44.27. He promoted himself up the order and the move paid dividends more often than not.

“I have always fancied myself as a batter. Batting comes first to me, it’s always gonna be close to my heart. When we got the auction done, it was clear that I had to bat up the order to make sure that I kind of guide [the batting line-up in middle overs].”

“I have been in this situation before as well for my team and I thought that it’s the best position for me to bat and all the other batters can come and express themselves,” Hardik was quoted as saying after the final.

With the ball in hand, Hardik took 8 wickets at an economy rate of 7.28, very impressive considering he bowled mostly in the powerplay and also in the death. Hardik’s form also bodes well for the Indian team, which needs one of its best all-rounders functioning at the highest level.

Also Read – IPL 2022 Final: When The Cameras Are On, Hardik Pandya Knows What Demeanor To Carry, He Is Relaxed – Sanjay Manjrekar