Skipper Hardik Pandya hails Rahul Tewatia’s character, guts

Rahul Tewatia celebrates Gujarat Titans’ win over Punjab Kings at Brabourne Stadium on Friday. Pic/BCCI; IPL

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, 28, is known as a Mumbai Indians product. However, the Baroda cricketer is creating a new identity for himself as Gujarat Titans (GT) captain.

The new entrants are the only team in IPL-15, which have won all their three games so far. Though Pandya's contribution has not been huge (91 runs in three games and two wickets), his tactics have made the difference.

Hardik Pandya

After a thrilling last-ball, six-wicket win over Punjab Kings at the Brabourne Stadium on Friday, Pandya (4-0-36-1) admitted getting tired bowling his full quota of four overs in every game. He did not bowl a single over for his previous team MI in IPL 2021 in the UAE. "I am getting tired as I am not used to bowling four overs, but I am getting better," he said.

Super Shubman

Pandya lavished praise on opener Shubman Gill (59-ball 96), who laid the foundation while chasing Punjab's 189-9 and Rahul Tewatia, who scored those crucial unbeaten 13 off just three balls, hitting two consecutive sixes off the last two balls off pacer Odean Smith to seal victory. "He [Tewatia] is a hard-working guy. He has a lot of courage. He backs himself. We have seen him pull off games multiple times. It shows a lot of character and kudos to him for the way he finished the game today [Friday]," said Pandya.

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan (3-22) is Pandya's go-to man and played his role by claiming three vital scalps - opener Shikhar Dhawan (35), the dangerous Liam Livingstone (64) and hard-hitting batsman Shahrukh Khan (15). "He [Rashid] is my trump card and I use him when the situation needs it. I know he will even get me out of the worst situation. People are trying to play him out. I want people to attack him," Pandya remarked.

‘Always wanted responsibility'

The captaincy seems to be having a good effect on him. "I am enjoying it. I always wanted responsibility in my life. Responsibilities have made me a better cricketer; you only improve when you face challenges. I have been on both sides. I have won, I've lost. I am cool and composed because I want to be neutral whether it's a loss or a win. Our team's motto is also the same. Win or lose, the atmosphere of the dressing room should be the same," Pandya said during a post-match virtual press conference on Friday night.

191.42
Rahul Tewatia's strike rate in IPL-15. The southpaw has scored 67 runs off 35 balls