IPL 2022: I Want To Give The Players Security And Freedom - Gujarat Titans Skipper Hardik Pandya
Published - 19 Mar 2022, 05:30 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:06 AM
Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya said he will be available to listen to the concerns of his players and will give them the freedom to perform at their own will. Hardik was appointed the captain of Gujarat Titans as the franchise wanted a local player with a Gujarati identity to appeal to their fans.
The Indian all-rounder scored 1476 runs from 85 IPL innings and claimed 42 scalps and also won four titles in his long stint with the five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians.
I am just focussing on things which are controllable: Hardik Pandya
Hardik said he is not aiming for a comeback at Mumbai Indians and will purely focus on leading Gujarat Titans in their maiden IPL season. The Gujarat Titans skipper also intends to make his teammates comfortable in the tournament.
“I don’t think it is going to be my comeback or I am focusing on it. For me, right now I just want to be in a positive mindset and I’m not looking way ahead, I am just focussing on things which are controllable, which is looking after my body and making my team win, ” Hardik said in a video posted on the IPL website.
“Eventually if I do things right for Gujarat Titans in IPL then things will fall into places for the future as well. I am just a work in progress right now but for me, what will be important is that I will always be available for the players no matter what time and day. I want to give the players security and freedom,” he added.
I will get to see where exactly I am: Hardik Pandya
Hardik hasn’t played any competitive form of cricket since the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in November last year and went under rehabilitation process, as a result, he missed domestic tournaments for Baroda this season. The 28-year-old said he will perform his best and toil harder without bothering about the results.
“I am looking forward to this IPL because I have been away from the sport for quite long time. For me it is very exciting, I will get to see where exactly I am after three months of hard work that I have put in behind closed doors. Result doesn’t matter because I have learnt hard work doesn’t guarantee you success but the right process will eventually get you success,” Hardik said.
Gujarat Titans will play their first match against Lucknow Super Giants on March 28 at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.
