IPL 2022 Final GT vs RR: Hardik Pandya reveals chat with brother Krunal Pandya before signing up for Gujarat Titans

Hardik Pandya has led from the front with the bat, he is the highest run-getter for the Titans with 453 runs from 14 matches at an average of 45.3 with four fifties. 

Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya has said that ’it’s ruthless business’ for him when he goes on to the field to play an IPL game, adding that he doesn’t play for reputation but plays for ‘what my team requires’. Summing up the team’s maiden journey in IPL 2022, where the side first topped the league phase and then set up a title clash with Rajasthan Royals on Sunday (May 29), Pandya gave almost the entire credit for the success to head coach and former Indian pace bowler Ashish Nehra.

“I and my brother (Krunal) were having a chat before we signed anything. I said, someone who can understand me and know me as a person and kind of get the best out of me would be Ashish Nehra. So for me, playing and spending so much time with him is always fun and I’ve always enjoyed his company no matter what. Our cricketing minds work in a similar fashion. He is someone who spends so much time looking after people (and) that is a fantastic quality. He makes sure he gives ample time to every individual. Ashu Pa (Nehra) and a lot of credit goes to the support staff to make sure that the outside environment is pretty chilled out and all that,” said Pandya.

Pandya added that when it comes to taking charge on the ground, he takes over and ensure everyone believes in themselves in order to get the job done. Hardik has led from the front with the bat, he is the highest run-getter for the Titans with 453 runs from 14 matches at an average of 45.3 with four fifties. The skipper has also contributed with the ball claiming 5 wickets.

“And when it comes to competitiveness, I think that’s where I take over. When we go on the ground, it’s ruthless business for me. For me, it’s about getting your job done. For us it is very important to kind of believe in ourselves and make sure that all the players feel that they are at home,” added Pandya.

The best way to answer is not answer... And we agree with the captain!