While some established names have struggled to lead their teams successfully in the IPL, Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper Hardik Pandya is thriving in his leadership role for the new franchise. And his team is thriving too, comfortably placed on top the table with 16 points after eight wins from nine encounters.
‘All are on same path’
Pandya, who has scored 308 runs and claimed four wickets this far in the competition, credited every member of his team for their success. “I might be the captain, but there is no hierarchy. Everyone is on the same path—one for all and all for one. That’s the approach we are carrying. All the boys feel they are as important as the captain,” Pandya said during the post-match virtual press conference on Saturday after GT beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by six wickets with three balls to spare at the Brabourne Stadium.
“As a person, I always make sure that I don’t like to grow only as an individual. I like to grow with my teammates or people around me. That’s the reason for our success as well. And I’m obviously enjoying the new opportunity, fantastic bunch of people around,” added Pandya.
Rahul Tewatia (25-ball 43 not out) and David Miller’s (24-ball 39 not out) unbeaten 79-run partnership helped GT chase down RCB’s 170-6, and Pandya was all praise for the duo. “Rahul has been tremendous for us. The kind of confidence he carries has been fantastic. They [Rahul and Miller] are stepping up whenever they’re getting the opportunity and making sure that they get the job done for the team.
Strong batting line-up
“With the kind of players we have, someone like Tewatia, Rashid [Khan] and Miller as well, it gives a lot of value. Obviously, we are backing their batting, it gives me more confidence that even numbers eight, nine and 10 can win us the game,” said the India all-rounder.
