‘He has got fantastic leadership quality’ - Sunil Gavaskar backs Hardik Pandya to lead Team India

Hardik Pandya impressed one and all with his captaincy skills as he led Gujarat Titans to the IPL triumph in their maiden appearance in the tournament. His leadership capabilities surprised everyone and India legend Sunil Gavaskar is not an exception either. Hardik’s men defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) by seven wickets in the IPL 2022 final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 29 May 2022.

Many were in shock when this new franchise appointed Hardik as their captain as he was coming back from an injury setback. His captaincy skills were an unknown aspect while the entire cricket fraternity was also in doubt about his form regarding batting and bowling. Hardik did not captain any side since his U-16 days and hence, GT’s decision of making him the leader was a total shocker for everyone.

However, he proved his critics wrong as he led Gujarat to the top of the points table after league matches by winning 10 matches out of 14 (20 points). Then, he guided his team to the final by defeating RR in Qualifier 1 at Eden Gardens. Finally, his boys defeated RR again in a one-sided final by seven wickets under his captaincy. Hardik Pandya led his troops from the front as he scored 487 runs in 15 matches at an average of 44.27.

He also grabbed eight wickets in 10 matches in which he bowled. His contribution in the final was instrumental as he picked three crucial wickets of RR. He also scored a valuable 34 runs off 30 balls to help GT to chase the target of 131 in just 18.1 overs. He was named the Player of the Match for this stellar performance.

When you have leadership qualities, it automatically opens the door: Sunil Gavaskar

Speaking to Star Sports about his captaincy chances for Team India, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar said: “Yes definitely. Not just my estimation, but everybody’s estimation (Hardik’s reputation as a leader has gone up). This was an aspect of his game which nobody had too much information about,” he added.

“We all knew what he could do with the bat, what he could do with the ball, but there was just a little bit of a concern before the start of the season about whether he would be able to bowl his full quota of four overs. He has done that, he has shown that. That all-rounder aspect is done, and everybody is happy. When you have leadership qualities, it automatically opens the door for honour at the national level to be able to captain the Indian national team in the near future,” he added. 

“So that’s exciting, there are 3-4 other names in the ring. I am not saying he is the next in line. But for the selection committee to have that option is fantastic,” he concluded.

Notably, Hardik Pandya was rewarded for such a successful IPL campaign as he was called back to the India squad for the upcoming home T20I series against South Africa.