Bhogle & Bhattacharyya’s discussion on “Hardik Pandya – The all-rounder”

After Gujrat Titans’ tremendous win on Saturday against Delhi Capitals, the captaincy of Hardik Pandya is lauded by everyone. Harsha Bhogle and Joy Bhattacharyya were having a comprehensive discussion about “Hardik Pandya – The all-rounder”.

Gujarat Titans defeated Delhi Capitals by 14 runs in an IPL 2022 match at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Saturday. Thanks to superb innings by Shubman Gill and a precise bowling performance by Lockie Ferguson.

A discussion was held on the Cricbuzz about “Hardik Pandya – The all-rounder” with Harsha Bhogle and Joy Bhattacharyya.

The dull batting order of the Delhi Capitals

The host started off by commenting on Delhi. He told that all were thinking Delhi Capitals were on a hunt. The host went on to say that they won the game when they were on the hunt and lost the last game when they were not on the hunt.

Responding to this, Harsha said, “They were sure on the hunt but they had to bat for it. I was not convinced about the batting order. It will change a lot in the coming days, I think. They will probably look at someone for Mandeep. But Rovman Powell is not at No 6. 

I think he is coming in a little too late. He is batting at no 4 for the west indies. I would love to see interchanges in the position of Lalit and Rovman. However, they will look very different when Warner comes in. It is one of those days. I think the bowling side of alright. Anrich Arno Nortje will come in and strength it.

Gujarat Titans under Hardik Pandya

But purely in terms of batting, “look at the results, we are getting from Gujarat Titans”. I think Gujarat Titans are telling us, they are becoming the contenders to be the best bowling side. They have two quality base bowlers like Shami and Lockie. Rashid Khan is the best leg spinner. So 10 overs are done with them.

And look what Hardik Pandya’s four overs were doing. Varun Aaron, Vijay Shankar Rao, Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia were the strong bowlers of the Gujarat Titans. They don’t have to use all four for three overs. They can leave out one of those and strengthen their batting. However, all four are quality bowlers.

I looked at Hardik and a couple of balls that went past 140. And I was like shouting to Hardik “don’t don’t don’t don’t”. 135 or 138 is fine. Don’t do your back again. However, he was appearing in a very very good rhythm. He was like a high school monitor. Isn’t he? Hardik says I will do the batting. He is looking good and firm on the ground, He is batting well? 

The words from Harsha tell how overwhelmed he was to see the stunning captaincy of Hardik on the ground.

The host took up something that happened on reverse about Hardik Pandya. He said, “When someone said, ‘Don’t don’t don’t’ – Hardik was like look look look”

Responding to this Joy Bhattacharya said, “Hardik Pandya – The all-rounder” is even doing auditions for the T20 world cup. He is even picking everybody who did not select him or retain him. He has a lot of points o prove. People like Hardik are motivated by their failures and fight back. 

I think what Harsha said is completely justified. Telling “don’t” Hardik was just to tell him not to be injured as it would be a disaster. When they are quality bowlers and even when all four bowlers are tremendously performing. There are a lot of opportunities opening up. 

Bowler’s significance in IPL

“From the very start, I have been talking to Ashish Nehra, the head coach of Gujarat Titans. He is very clear about the fact that Bowlers win matches. He felt that he needed a very good bowling attack. I think he has delivered that. 

The host was then talking about their performance of Hardik. He specifically mentioned the intent of Hardik when he is on the ground playing. The host said, “ Hardik comes with proper intent. He can be on the 3rd or 4th number but he was to open the bowling.

Harsha said, “I want to go one step ahead of what joy said. He is auditioning now. He is telling everybody to come ‘look at me, ‘ I am going to give the bowling. The moment he gives a good run he walks into the side of NO 6. 

But he also tells, “See I am no 4 as a batsman. So Hardik at 6 and Jadeja at 7 is a dream balance. After this, Shardul is at 8. So you can say No 6,7 and 8 between them are giving 8 overs. If he keeps his fitness, he can deliver overs effortlessly in a long run. 

It is important to remember Australia’s big boundaries. He wishes to hold the ball beyond a limit. And he likes to get the ball skid and hits the ball a long way. If he plays like this, then he is a fantastic asset for India.

Bowlers are wonderful. As Joy said, Bowlers, make championships. We saw Sunrisers in 2016, bowlers gave them the championship. You can say that in 2020 – The batters gave Mumbai Indians that championship but they were bowlers like Bumrah in the team.

We cannot win IPL when you don’t have a (kadak) precise bowling team,” Harsha ended.