Former Australian speedster Shaun Tait hailed Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya for his intent to finish the game against Rajasthan Royals on Friday. The Indian all-rounder played an explosive knock of 39 runs off just 15 balls including three sixes and three fours to finish the game for his side within 14 overs to boost their Net run rate.
Gujarat Titans have been the best team in the league stage so far, winning seven out of the ten games in IPL 2023, and are currently at the top of the points table with a clear distance from the second-placed team. The defending champions secured a thumping win over Rajasthan Royals by eight wickets in Sawai Mansingh stadium.
In the previous game against Delhi Capitals, The Gujarat Titans skipper remained not out at 59 off 53 balls but could finish the game for his side, which sounded a wide range of criticism from the experts. Speaking to Espncricinfo, Tait believes that the Indian finisher showed great intent with his aggressive batting in the game.
“What Hardik did tonight was kind of a statement I suppose. Certainly, could have come in and nudged them around and gotten them over the line on the 19th. I liked the way he went about the chase,” Shaun Tait said.
The Indian all-rounder has not been at his best so far in the league as he scored 252 runs at a strike rate of 127.91 and will look to take confidence from the innings against Rajasthan Royals and build on the momentum in the forthcoming games.
Hardik Pandya has been the standout performer for Gujarat Titans in 2022 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 runs in the season.
When You’re Not Changing Your Team Too Often, That’s A Good Sign – Shaun Tait
Shaun Tait believes that backing their players is the main strength of the Gujarat Titans and said that the champions side like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings usually play with the same side irrespective of the results and feels that consistency of giving players a run is the key to the results.
“When you’re not changing your team too often, that’s a good sign. When Mumbai was going through its dynasty, it didn’t change often. They kept it so simple. Guys bowling in the same spots, batting order tinkering when needed. Chennai do it well and this side looks like they’re on the same track,” Shaun Tait added.
Gujarat Titans are dominating this edition of the cash-rich league winning seven games out of ten games and look like the first team to make it into the playoffs in this edition of IPL. Hardik Pandya-led side will take on his brother Krunal Pandya’s team LSG in their next match in the famous Narendra Modi Stadium.