Hardik Pandya has now set his sights on winning the World Cup for Team India after leading Gujarat Titans to the title in the just-concluded IPL 2022. Leading a team for the first time in the IPL, Pandya performed brilliantly as captain.
In the final, the Titans thrashed Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets in the final on Sunday (May 29) to be crowned champions. Pandya was the Man of the Match for his all round displays in the title-decider.
With the ball, he dismissed Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer while giving away just 17 runs off his 4 overs. With the bat, he steadied the ship for the Titans after they lost two wickets inside 5 overs. Pandya scored 34 while sharing a 63-run stand with Shubman Gill.
Hardik Pandya reveals World Cup dream:
With IPL 2022 now done and dusted, Pandya has revealed his long-term desire of winning the World Cup for India. Speaking at the end of the final, the star allrounder stated that he’ll give it his all to bring home a trophy for the country next.
“Absolutely to win the World Cup for India no matter what happens. I am gonna give it everything I have. Always been that kind of guy to put the team first. For me the goal will be simple: to make sure my team gets it the most,” said Hardik Pandya.
“Playing for India has always been kind of [a] dream come true no matter how many games I have played. It has always been a pleasure for me to represent the country. The kind of love and support I have got is only from the Indian team point of view. Long term, short term, I want to win the World Cup no matter what happens,” he added.
Talking about Pandya’s campaign in IPL 2022, he did well with both bat and ball. With the bat, he scored an impressive 487 runs in 15 games at an average of more than 44 and a strike-rate of 131.27. Pandya hit 4 fifties in IPL 2022 with an unbeaten knock of 87 being his best effort.
He was equally impressive with the ball too. The Titans skipper picked up 8 wickets while conceding runs at an economy-rate of 7.28.