IPL 2022: Sunil Gavaskar reckons Hardik Pandya showing similarities to Rohit after his captaincy

 Former Indian Cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has compared the Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya with Rohit Sharma. Hardik is showing similarities to Rohit when later was first appointed as a captain of MI in 2013 in IPL. Hardik Pandya has improved with his batting and leadership responsibilities in this IPL 2022. This is depicted with the results of the GT’s game as they won 8 out of 9 matches. An holding the first position in the points table.

In 2013 Rohit Sharma was made a captain of Mumbai Indians. The leadership responsibilities transformed him into an excellent player completely. Gavaskar said this is what happened to Hardik after he took over the captaincy role of Gujarat Titans.

Sunil Gavaskar’s opinion about GT skipper:

“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 the 40s, 50s, and 60s now staying right till the end and taking responsibility. His shot selections became much better (with his captaincy).” Gavaskar said on ‘Cricket Live’ 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,” he added.

In the previous seasons when Hardik was in Mumbai Indians, he used to bat in the middle order with few finishing runs. Now after his captaincy in GT, Hardik Pandya has improved as a top batsman in the current IPL 2022. He has scored a total of 308 runs in eight matches at an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 135.68.

Hardik Pandya with improved performance – Piyush Chawla and Mohammad Kaif:

Piyush Chawla also acclaimed Hardik Pandya for his batting performance and his leadership roles in the IPL 2022.

“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 and so it’s good to see him do well. 

“He’s looking in control, there are no signs of panic. Hardik is 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.” Said Chawla on Cricket Live on Star Sports.

Former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif was also praised for his batting.

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

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