IPL 2023: He instills a lot of confidence within the squad – David Miller on Hardik Pandya’s captaincy

Gujarat Titans batter David Miller has showered praise on Hardik Pandya’s captaincy. Pandya has been leading the franchise from the front and the results are palpable. The defending champions have gotten off to another good start as they have won their opening two matches against Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.

GT won their second match of the season after Sai Sudharsan scored a match-winning knock of 62 runs to help his team chase down 163 runs at Delhi on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Pandya has grown in confidence as a leader and he is getting the best out of the players, which has been vital to GT’s success.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, David Miller said, “Hardik is definitely one of the top leaders I have worked with. I’m very privileged to work under him. My first one (captain) in the IPL was Adam Gilchrist. Hardik, coming from a place where I never really knew him, played a lot against him, but to know him really well off the field.”

“He is his own person and I feel like he instills a lot of confidence within the squad. A huge team man and makes a lot of time for the younger guys as well as making good decisions and big calls. What he says kind of goes and you need that as a leader. I’m really enjoying his leadership and obviously the decisions on the field.”

On the other hand, David Miller, who scored a cameo of 31 runs from 16 balls, added 56 runs with Sai Sudharsan. The South African added that the youngster is a very talented player.

“Sai, obviously, played few games last year. To come and do what he’s done in the last two games is very encouraging for the team. He is a seriously talented player and we need him in the squad. It’s nice to see him do really well. Pretty happy with his performance and it’s great to see him get the Man of the Match award.”

“No jetlag. I slept well on the plane and had a good sleep last night (Monday). I went to the steam room and I was nicely recovered.”

GT will next face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday.