Hardik Pandya has performed his leadership role to the perfection: Mohammed Shami

Gujarat Titans pacer Mohammed Shami believes skipper Hardik Pandya has softened significantly since taking on leadership responsibilities of the team. Pandya is known for his tendency of putting his heart on his sleeve, and he never backs from showing off his emotions during the play.

Gujarat Titans have soared above expectations under Pandya’s leadership, becoming the first team in IPL 2022 to seal the playoffs berth. With 18 points from 12 games, the Titans are now in the first place. After a long wait to return to the game from his injury, Pandya gained accolades for his tactical ability and performances in all three areas for the side.

“After he (Hardik) became captain, he has become more normal, his reactions have been tempered (mellowed). I have advised him to control his emotions on the field because the entire world watches cricket. It is very important as a leader to be sensible and understand situations and he has performed that role to perfection,” Shami was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Shami has picked the most number of wickets for GT, accounting for 16. He is a great inclusion in the team alongside other lethal bowlers like Rashid Khan and Lockie Ferguson. The 31-year-old bowler went on to compare Pandya’s captaincy style to that of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, noting that each captain has a different approach to guiding the team.

“Every captain has a different temperament. Mahi (Dhoni) bhai was quiet, Virat was aggressive, Rohit leads according to match situations, so understanding Hardik’s mindset is not rocket science,” he added.

Whenever I am entrusted with a responsibility I have always tried to live up to that: Shami

Shami is one of the finest bowlers in the world currently. He has been in his best form for the team in the powerplay and has successfully provided GT with crucial breakthroughs. He has been a regular for the Indian team as well and has made sure to live up to the responsibilities of being the experienced guy on the side. Speaking of his performance in the tournament this year, he said:

“As far as my performance is concerned, whenever I was given the white ball, I always tried to put in my 100 percent. Not just this season, if you look at the last four seasons then you can see nobody (in teams that he played) took more wickets than me. Whenever I am entrusted with a responsibility I have always tried to live up to that. I have always tried to perform my role to the 100 percent of my capability.”