Cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar believes that the success of defending champions Gujarat Titans is keeping their dressing room environment good despite the wins and losses in the league. Hardik Pandya has a good relationship with their head coach Ashish Nehra which helped in the success of their franchise in IPL.
Hardik Pandya played a vital role for Gujarat Titans in leading their team to the first title, the GT skipper was brilliant in the opening season with his all-round performance for the squad, he took 8 wickets and scored 478.
“Hardik is a successful captain because he does not take the game too seriously. Also, Ashish Nehra takes care of the tactical side and that is the reason why this team seems to be playing as a unit,” Sanjay Manjrekar said.
In the inaugural season, Gujarat Titans performed consistently throughout the league and finished the league stage at the top of the points table with 10 wins from 14 games. They then went on to beat Rajasthan Royals in the Qualifier and the final to lift the title under Pandya’s captaincy.
Following the success in IPL, he led Team India in T20Is on several occasions in Rohit’s absence and did a decent job as well. In 11 T20Is as captain, he has led India to victories in an impressive 8 matches.
Gujarat Titans started their title defence very well winning their opening two matches against Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. They will take on Kolkata Knight Riders on their third game of the league stage in the famous Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
They Are Ready To Defend Their Title – Sanjay Manjrekar
Hardik Pandya has shown the potential to lead India in the limited opportunities as a captain. He received appreciation from all over for the way he captained the team as well as led the team from the very front. Speaking on Gujarat Titans’ start in the league stage.
“They proved it by winning the title last season and this season they beat CSK and confirmed that they are ready to defend their title,” Sanjay Manjrekar added.
Gujarat Titans backed young Hardik Pandya to lead them in 2022 he has never captained even his domestic teams and he delivered for the franchise by winning the tournament. So far, only two teams– Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians – have managed to defend their titles and win back-to-back IPL trophies. It will be interesting to see whether Gujarat Titans can replicate the historic feat achieved by this legendary team.