IPL 2022: Hardik might have surprised a lot of people, but he didn’t surprise me – Ravi Shastri hails the all-rounder’s captaincy

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri is not surprised to note Hardik Pandya’s captaincy for Gujarat Titans. Pandya has led from the front and he has been able to get the best out of his players.

The all-rounder has led Gujarat Titans in 10 matches thus far and the team has won seven out of them.

Overall, Gujarat Titans have won eight of their 11 matches and they look all set to finish among the top two teams in the points table if they continue their good show.

In fact, not much was expected of Gujarat Titans as this was their maiden season in the IPL but they have surely surprised a lot of cricket experts with their consistent performance. Hardik Pandya has played a key role in the team’s success as he has delivered with both bat and ball.

Pandya has scored 333 runs in 10 matches at an average of 41.63 and a strike rate of 134.27. Thus, he has blossomed under the role of leadership. Furthermore, Pandya was making a return after a long layoff due to injury and he has been able to prove his mettle.

Speaking on ESPN Cricinfo, Ravi Shastri said he has been more impressed with Pandya’s captaincy than KL Rahul, “Definitely Hardik Pandya because he hadn’t done it before. But everyone knew his reading and understanding of the game is strong. KL Rahul had already led India in One-day cricket; hence, there were expectations he would do a decent job.”

He added, “Hardik might have surprised a lot of people, but he didn’t surprise me because I know his mindset and his understanding of white-ball cricket, especially, it’s very good.”

Shastri added that Hardik was able to hit the ground running while playing for the Indian team.

“I would say right from the start and that’s why he has been fast-tracked. If we see, he didn’t take much time to settle into the Indian team. Hardik showed it straightaway that he belongs at the top level, which is commendable.”

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans’ batting has looked at sea whenever Hardik Pandya has failed to get going.

Commenting on the same, Shastri said, “I think it’s their batting as they’re too dependent on Hardik Pandya. They have been in trouble when Pandya didn’t click with the bat. It will be better if the top-order can chip in with more runs. Saha is playing exceptionally well and he is doing his job. If he gets more support, it will be better.”

GT will face LSG on Tuesday at the MCA, Pune.