Hardik Pandya came into the IPL 2023 on the back of winning the trophy in his first attempt as a skipper in 2022. The new role of an anchor and bowling at 140 kmph, looked just picture perfect but the performances did not follow the expectations. Pandya was out of touch throughout the season and kept searching for his form.
If captaincy is discussed, the all-rounder was again exceptional as the Gujarat Titans reached their second consecutive title and just missed the trophy with the last-over heroics of Ravindra Jadeja. But Pandya’s 346 runs and mere 3 wickets in the tournament raised a lot of eyebrows. However, the thing that was more questioned was his approach as he scored these runs at a strike rate (SR) of 136.76, which is well below his career SR of 145.86.
His role in this Indian lineup has been elevated from his first ODI World Cup, as he has been named Rohit Sharma's deputy. With extra responsibility, all eyes will be on how he manages to keep the scoring rate high as a finisher, with all set to play for Team India at the number six slot. India’s bowling balance also lies firmly on his experienced shoulder as he has consistently provided more than five overs per match with the ability to bowl above 140 kmph speed.
