IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya captained the team like MS Dhoni – Sanjay Manjrekar

Hardik Pandya has the experience of playing under the tutelage of successful captains like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. Before the start of Tata IPL 2022, Pandya said he wants to take the three best aspects of this impressive trio. Pandya wanted to copy MS Dhoni’s calm and composed attitude while leading his team Gujarat Titans.

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar feels Hardik Pandya captained like MS Dhoni. Pandya was able to lead Gujarat Titans to glory in their maiden season of the IPL and a lot of credit for the team’s success goes to him.

Pandya led from the front as he scored 487 runs in 15 matches at an average of 44.27 and a strike rate of 131.26. Furthermore, he returned with impressive figures of 3-17 in his quota of four overs in the all-important final against Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Moreover, he scored a crucial knock of 34 runs off just 30 balls in the run-chase of 131 runs.

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya was able to lead with aplomb and got the best out of his players in Tata IPL 2022.

“Hardik Pandya bowled well. In batting too, he batted in all gears while playing at the crucial No.4 spot. He captained the team like MS Dhoni. R Sai Kishore bowled the 16th and 18th overs in the final,” Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo.

Manjrekar added Pandya was unfazed by pressure and made his captaincy decisions on the basis of match situations.

“His captaincy was similar to MS Dhoni’s, as he made the decisions according to match situations. He seems to be enjoying the captaincy and looks very relaxed,” he further added.

Hardik Pandya was able to impress one and all with his leadership qualities and did a fine job for Gujarat Titans. The all-rounder was making a return after injury and this performance would have certainly helped his confidence. Pandya will now be seen in action in the five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting from June 9 in Delhi.