Sunil Gavaskar has credited MS Dhoni for Hardik Pandya’s brilliant captaincy in IPL 2022 as the star allrounder led Gujarat Titans to the title on Sunday (May 29). Pandya led from the very front to help Gujarat Titans crush Rajasthan Royals and lift the title in their first-ever season.
Playing their first final, the debutants thrashed the inaugural winners of the competition by 7 wickets in front of a jam-packed stadium in Ahmedabad. This was the first time Pandya was leading a team in the IPL.
The Titans finished the league stage at the top of the points table with 10 wins from 14 games. In the first qualifier, they made light work of Rajasthan Royals before beating them again in the final as the world witnessed the rise of Pandya as a captain in the just-concluded tournament.
Sunil Gavaskar on Hardik Pandya’s approach:
Following the final, Gavaskar hailed Hardik Pandya for his captaincy and stated that the allrounder seems to have learnt a lot from his close friend and former India captain MS Dhoni. Time and again, Pandya has spoken about his close relationship with Dhoni and Gavaskar was quick to recall it.
The former cricketer-turned-commentator pointed out the similarities between Dhoni and Pandya’s approach as captain. Gavaskar lavished praise on the Titans skipper for his man-management.
“Looking at Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, it seems as if he has learnt a lot from MS Dhoni. He considers MS Dhoni his elder brother and hero. His man-management style is MS Dhoni’s approach. Not showing too much emotion on the field and letting anyone know about their mistakes in the dressing room,” Gavaskar said.
“Because of this, every player wants to do something special for the skipper. Hardik has been very impressive with his bowling changes and field placements as well. His success as captain is a positive sign for Team India,” he added.
Pandya was also adjudged the Man of the Match for his all round show in the final. With the ball, he picked up 3 wickets for just 17 runs to help his side restrict the Royals to 130 f0r 9. With the bat, he played a crucial knock of 34.