On Sunday (May 29), Hardik Pandya made history by leading Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2022 title in the T20 league’s debut. Pandya did the same in the final against Rajasthan Royals, taking 3/17 with the ball and then batting 34 off 30 balls to lead the team to a seven-wicket victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Hardik’s wife Natasa Stankovic and son Agastya have been his biggest supporters throughout the IPL 2022. Natasa ran onto the field after the final to congratulate her husband on his championship victory. The Bollywood actress, model, and dancer couldn’t help but cry as she hugged Hardik, who was beaming after the victory.
IPL 2022 was Hardik Pandya’s comeback season, and he had a lot of problems. He received a lot of flak last year for not bowling in the T20 World Cup. Since then, he hasn’t played a single game and has focused on improving his fitness in preparation for a return to the IPL this year. The GT captain bowled effectively as well, and most importantly, he took three critical wickets in the final when it counted most.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans’ title-winning run on IPL debut was largely attributed to Hardik Pandya’s passion to learn as captain and his ability to effectively communicate with his colleagues, according to team mentor Gary Kirsten on Sunday.
Kirsten, who led India to the 2011 World Cup triumph, praised Hardik for his achievements as captain and player in the team’s inaugural season. “He’s been great, and I’ve enjoyed working with him.” He’s a well-known athlete in India, but he’s also really modest, eager to improve as a leader and engage with his teammates, which I believe is crucial. He’s attempted to assist the youngsters, and he’s stepped in and taken on a new role,” he told the IPL host broadcaster.
“You never stop learning as a coach, every IPL is a learning experience, that’s what I enjoy,” the South African remarked of his experience. I’ve enjoyed working with Ashish (Nehra); he’s a great tactician, and putting together a gameplan on the fly is difficult. “Each game has so many variables, but what I’ve loved is the responsibility players have taken to help us win games,” he said.
