Parthiv Patel, the former India wicket-keeper believes that the experience of being part of high-stakes matches before Qualifier 1 of IPL 2022 will help Hardik Pandya.
The all-rounder will lead the Gujarat Titans (GT) in their first knockout match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 on May 24. Having won multiple titles with Mumbai Indians and represented India across various ICC tournaments, the 28-year-old is no stranger to big matches.
Parthiv Patel Said That The Mentality Of Playing Big Matches Before Will Help Hardik Pandya In Qualifier 1 While Virender Sehwag Opined He Will Be The Player To Watch Out For
The all-rounder, assuming the captaincy role for the first time in the IPL, has been one of the standout players for the new franchise. He is having his best campaign with the bat, recording 413 runs in the league stage of the tournament. There has been a slight dip in his strike rate, which has come on the back of a change in his batting position. He has undertaken more responsibility by promoting himself up the order.
Opining that Pandya will head into Qualifier 1 with nothing but confidence, Parthiv Patel said: “The mentality of playing big matches before will help Hardik Pandya here.”
Parthiv Patel added: “It means that he has taken decisions under pressure that is not easy to make. He will go into the match confidently, there is no doubt about it.”
Opining that Hardik Pandya should play like his former self in Qualifier 1, former India batter Virender Sehwag said during the same interaction: “Hardik Pandya is the player to watch out for from GT. He has to become Kung-Fu Pandya. Come in, play 30 odd balls and score 60-70 and leave. He is also in the Indian team now, he should play with full freedom and confidence.”
GT will face the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2022 Qualifier 1 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on May 24 (Tuesday). Hardik Pandya has scored 413 runs in IPL 2022 averaging 41.3 and taken 4 scalps averaging 47.45 playing 13 games. As a first-time skipper, he has been spot on with his tactics and field placements.
He is Gujarat Titans’ leading run-getter this season. Hardik Pandya made his debut for MI in 2015 and played for them for 7 years. In that period, the franchise won 4 titles and Pandya played a big part in those wins. He was an instrumental part of MI’s success in the past. He scored 1476 runs and picked up 42 wickets for them.
Parthiv Patel: A Lot Depends On Wriddhiman Saha’s Fitness But He Should Play When There Is The Slightest Chance
In a case of concern for the league leaders, Wriddhiman Saha picked up a hamstring injury during their contest against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Matthew Wade was seen keeping the wickets in the second innings at the Wankhede Stadium on May 19.
Opining that Saha’s absence will lead to a slew of changes for GT, Parthiv Patel said: “If there are concerns surrounding Saha, then an Indian batter has to be brought in. The likely option is Sai Sudarshan. If Saha is fit, then Alzarri Joseph could also be brought in for Matthew Wade.”
“The changes will most likely be tactical. A lot relies on Saha’s fitness. If there is even the slightest chance that Saha can play, then he should at any cost.”
The 37-year-old has been in excellent touch after forging an impeccable partnership with Shubman Gill at the top of the order. He crossed the 300-run mark in an IPL season for the second time and has registered three fifties so far.
Wriddhiman Saha, the Test discard, has scored 312 runs from 9 IPL 2022 games averaging 39. He will try to amend his strike rate of 124.8 in Qualifier 1. Wriddhiman Saha didn’t keep against Royal Challengers Bangalore due to a tight hamstring. Matthew Wade replaced him behind the stumps. But Gujarat Titans team management would hope that the Bengal keeper, a solid presence in front and behind the wicket, will be fit for the 1st Qualifier.