'Hardik Pandya ke saath thoda news bikta hai' - GT skipper takes a subtle dig at critics after storming into season final

Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya gave a cheeky response to his critics after his side’s victory over the Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 1 at Eden Gardens. When he was asked about the constant noise outside around his fitness and form, he just said that he laughs off such criticism. Even, he added that news sells with his name easily.

This 28-year-old Baroda all-rounder was always under scrutiny from the start of this year’s IPL as he was given the captaincy role of this new franchise. Even Indian fans were also worried about his fitness and form as he was not bowling in full rhythm. Hardik is an important part of Team India as T20 World Cup is scheduled later this year. Hence, all eyes were on him from the start as to how he will manage his team through his captaincy ability along with his individual all-round form.

Defying the odds, Pandya impressed everyone with his leadership quality as he led Gujarat to the top of the table at the end of the group stage. Against Rajasthan in Qualifier 1, Hardik played a sensible knock of 40* runs off 27 balls to guide them to the IPL Final in the maiden season. Pandya pulled off this tricky chase of 189 runs in style by bonding a partnership of 106* runs with David Miller (68* runs off 38 balls). Pandya was asked about his constant critics regarding his form and fitness during the post-match presentation. In reply to that, he said:

“Logo ka toh kaam hai kehna. Kya karu sir? Hardik Pandya ke saath thoda news bikta hai. Mujhe koi problem nahi hai. Hasi ke saath nikal deta hoon.” (It’s people’s job to speak. What can I do sir? News sells on Hardik Pandya’s name. I am okay with it. I just laugh it off).” said Pandya in post-match conference.

David Miller was always a match-winner for us: Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya has heaped high praises on the South African batter David Miller for his vital contributions throughout the tournament. He said that the franchise has always seen him as a match-winner and Miller has managed to keep that faith consistently.

“I am genuinely proud of the way he has lifted his game up. He is such a wonderful guy. I always wanted good things to happen to him. It shows that if you give importance to an individual player, he can flourish and how. A lot of people counted David Miller out, but for us, he was always a match-winner from the time we bought him at the auction. We always expected him to do what he did today. For us, it was important to give him that clarity about what we expect from him,” Pandya added.