IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya relishing Gujarat Titans captaincy- Extra responsibility and challenges make you better
India Today
IPL 2022, PBKS vs GT: After leading Gujarat Titans to a thrilling last-ball win over Punjab Kings on Friday, Hardik Pandya said that he is enjoying the extra responsibilities captaincy brings.
Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya on Friday said that he relishes the extra responsibilities captaincy brings as he led GT to their third successive win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Rahul Tewatia hit a couple of sixes off the last two deliveries after the talented Shubman Gill's magnificent 96 off just 59 balls as Gujarat sealed a dramatic six-wicket win over Punjab Kings.
Hardik has been impressive as a captain as Gujarat Titans are now the only unbeaten side in the league and they have achieved 2nd position in the points table after the six-wicket win. Hardik has assumed a new role with the bat, playing at No.4 for the Gujarat franchise, contrary to No.5 or 6, where he batted for Mumbai Indians and for Team India in the T20 format. He also returned to bowling his full quota of four overs.
"I am enjoying captaincy. As a cricketer, I always wanted responsibility in my life. Responsibilities have made me a better cricketer because you improve only when you face challenges," Hardik Pandya said in the post-match press conference.
"I have been on both sides. I have won also, lost also. I am cool and composed because I want to be neutral whether it's a loss or a win. Our team's motto is also the same. We win or lose, the atmosphere of the dressing room should be the same," Hardik added.
IPL 2022: Full Coverage
"We celebrate our losses as well, because that is also something very important as a team as it gives us more value when we win," Hardik signed off.
Hardik also said bowling a full quota of four overs in the IPL is tiring, but insisted he is getting better with each passing game. The Gujarat Titans skipper has bowled a full quota of four overs in all three of the team's matches in the ongoing IPL. "I am going to get better with every game. I am getting tired as I'm not used to bowling four overs. But I'm getting better," Pandya said at the post-match presentation after his side defeated Punjab Kings by six wickets.
SRH camp sees a heated moment as Ishan Kishan gets a fiery send-off from teammate Zeeshan Ansari during an intra-squad match ahead of IPL 2026. Kishan has been named as the interim captain for the first few games for SRH.
With the Premier League title race put on hold for the moment, Arsenal and Manchester City will meet in the final of the Carabao Cup 2025-26. With silverware up for grabs, which team willk seize the chance to gain the edge and the title.
IPL 2026: Ashwin's post showing Sanju Samson practising high catches in the deep with no keeping gloves has sparked speculation over his role at with the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the new season.
R Ashwin has suggested that IPL teams should be allowed to cut money from the players' wages if they're unable to fulfill their role for the side. Ashwin used the example of Cameron Green and KKR to drive home the point.
IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma smashed a quickfire 94 in SRH's intra-squad clash ahead of IPL 2026. The knock signalled his return to form after a mixed T20 World Cup campaign.
Anaya Bangar shared that she has successfully undergone gender-affirming surgery in Thailand. She credited her father Sanjay Bangar and family for their support through the emotional journey.
IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan believes IPL 2026 will be a tougher test for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. With bowlers now decoding his game, the young star will need to evolve and prove himself again.
IPL 2026: Rishabh Pant and Sanjiv Goenka led Lucknow Super Giants' visit to the Ram Mandir ahead of IPL 2026. The squad offered prayers in Ayodhya as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Following a long injury lay-off, Mayank Yadav returns fitter and wiser, determined to combine raw pace with control as he eyes redemption in IPL 2026.
Shubman Gill heads into IPL 2026 with renewed motivation after his T20 World Cup snub. Cheteshwar Pujara has backed the Gujarat Titans captain to turn the setback into a standout season.
KKR unveil Cameron Green with a cinematic supervillain video ahead of IPL 2026 as the all-rounder joined their training camp. The all-rounder is set to replace Andre Russell this season.
L Sivaramakrishnan denies BCCI and Jay Shah's role in his commentary exit, saying his issue was with an individual after alleging bias. Sivaramakrishnan retired from BCCI commentary on March 20.
Gary Kirsten lifted the lid on PCB's interference, poor culture and power struggles under Mohsin Naqvi. He explained why his Pakistan stint collapsed and questioned how any coach could succeed in such a chaotic system.