IPL 2022 Final, GT vs RR: Is Hardik Pandya a future Team India captain?

A few months back Hardik Pandya was out of favour but the 27-year-old shone brightly on his first job as a skipper and how!

The ace all-rounder who roared back from a back injury that kept him out of Team India for over 6 months led his team Gujarat Titans to a thumping IPL title in their debut season. This is Hardik Pandya’s 1st trophy as a captain and 5th overall. The now-GT skipper who has not lost an IPL final in his career had won 4 trophies with his previous franchise Mumbai Indians.

Whether it be bowling or batting, Pandya led his team from the front. Under his guidance, GT won 12 out of 15 matches this year. Very early in the lucrative tournament, Pandya had said he would do everything that the team would need him to do.

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Pandya leads the charts with the most runs run for GT and has 487 runs in 15 matches at a remarkable average of 44. He is also the 4th highest run-getter overall this season. His best came in one of the league matches against Rajasthan Royals where he smashed a blazing 87 off just 52 balls.

The skipper impressed with the ball too, especially in the final where he bowled all 4 overs. He picked up the Man of The Match award for his brilliant figures of 3/17. Overall, Pandya picked 8 wickets in 10 innings he bowled for GT.

With age being in his favour, Hardik Pandya has emerged as a potential candidate for the top job in Team India. With his composure on the field, taking responsibility for the team's performance, and leading the team from the front when needed, Pandya did it all, as a captain.

He played the anchor, removed threatening batters with his impeccable deliveries, and batted brilliantly higher up in the order, unexpectedly Hardik Pandya had an exemplary first outing as a skipper for a brand new franchise that has placed him among the likes of Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul who are being considered as potential captaincy option for Team India in future.