IPL 2022: I See Hardik Pandya Recreating Rohit Sharma's 2013 Success Story, Says Sunil Gavaskar

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has called attention to that the leadership duty is doing likewise to Gujarat Titans’ (GT) chief Hardik Pandya as it did to Rohit Sharma back in 2013 when he was made Mumbai Indians’ (MI) captain. The captaincy obligation changed Sharma into a five-time IPL-winning pioneer and presently Gavaskar feels that equivalent content is working out for Hardik.

In IPL 2022, Gujarat has been a power to deal with, winning eight out of nine games to be on top of the points table with 16 points. For a group that looked a little insecure post the mega auction and star England opener Jason Roy pulling out due to bio-bubble exhaustion, it has been a dazzling run for the IPL debutants.

Hardik Pandya Showing Same Qualities As Rohit Sharma: Sunil Gavaskar

Driving Gujarat’s shocking show has been Hardik, who has made 305 runs with the bat in seven innings, averaging 61 while batting at three and four. He has likewise picked four wickets at an economy rate of 7.56 and has marshaled Gujarat into clicking as a strong unit.

“What I see with Hardik is exactly what happened to Rohit Sharma when he first got the captaincy of Mumbai Indians midway through the season (in IPL 2013). Suddenly (we saw) Rohit Sharma from playing those lovely cameos of 40s, 50s, and 60s now staying right till the end and taking responsibility. His shot-selection became much better (with responsibility of captaincy),” said Gavaskar on Cricket Live show on Star Sports.

“Similarly, you can see that happening with Hardik. His shot-selection is absolutely terrific. Of course, he’s an outstanding fielder and that was the case with) Rohit Sharma. He was a brilliant fielder in the covers and close-in as well (in those days). So Pandya is showing those qualities too and that’s why Gujarat Titans are doing so well,” added Gavaskar.

Hardik Pandya Looking Very Mature As A Batter: Piyush Chawla

Concurring with Gavaskar, leg-spinner Piyush Chawla has commended Pandya for batting with mature head in the top-order for Gujarat. “The way Hardik has batted is commendable and he is taking a lot of responsibility. Earlier he used to bat at number 5 and 6 but now he’s batting at number 3 and 4. So it’s good to see him do well.

“He’s looking in control. There are no signs of panic. He’s looking to bat deep. He knows that if he stays till the end, then he can recover his strike rate if at all there is a dip in the middle stages. He’s looking very mature as a batter.”

He’s Not A Slogger At All: Mohammad Kaif On Hardik Pandya’s Batting Technique

Previous India cricketer Mohammad Kaif felt it would be unjustifiable to call Hardik a slogger as the Baroda all-rounder is showing solid batting technique in IPL 2022 and has every one of the shots in his arsenal.

“He’s not a slogger at all. He has a strong base and a good batting technique. He plays brilliant cover drives and pull shots. He’s equally good against the spinners and plays grounded (shots) at ease and hits all around the ground. These are signs of a good batter, not a slogger. His basics are clear,” said Kaif.

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