Remember Hardik Pandya being carried off the ground during an Asia Cup match in 2018? He required back surgery. Everyone thought that a promising career had come to a grinding halt. There was reason to think along those lines because of the kind of load he took on, as batter and bowler. India’s search for a top-notch, pace-bowling all-rounder seemed to have come to an abrupt end.
How things have changed! A fully recovered Pandya is not only one of India’s most reliable players in white-ball cricket, but also leading the Gujarat Titans successfully in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Two finals in two years since the franchise’s inception and a title in the first season – this is more than a fairy tale. The team has done wonders, and Pandya is at the forefront.
His red-ball career might have hit a dead-end, but the younger of the Pandya brothers has scripted some turnaround when it comes to 50-over and T20 games. You can also see a change in his demeanour. The player who appeared to be brash and ultra-cocky at times has matured into a senior and responsible member of the group.
Pandya does not look rattled when the going gets tough. He does not yell at his players when they make silly mistakes. He does not get flustered when the opposition is on top. Instead, he claps and encourages his players. These are the signs of a good captain. Who knows, may be the signs of the next Captain Cool for the Indian team.
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Ashish Nehra, the coach, has also played a part in the ascendancy of Gujarat Titans. He is like a football manager, always on the sideline and having conversations with his players and captain. Other coaches, of almost every team, are seen seated in the dugout. Nehra’s approach is clearly different, and it seems to have made a significant difference.
Pandya appears to have gelled well in this kind of atmosphere. Gujarat have obviously been among the better teams, if not the best, over the last two years. They topped the league table in both seasons. This is no fluke. If nothing else, they are clearly not a one-season wonder. There is consistency and continuity.
Pandya deserves credit for this. He leads from the front. He shares the new ball, promotes himself to No. 3 or No. 4 when the situation demands and, quite often, comes up with telling performances. He has regained full fitness, looks eager to lead, has the hunger and is keen to captain by example. These are traits that make a good captain. Someone who is a leader of men, not a mere individual.
With India’s white-ball captaincy expected to come up for review after this year’s 50-over World Cup, Pandya is a contender. His credentials have already been noticed. He has led India in T20s. If the powers that be think of an alternative after Rohit Sharma, there are not many others apart from him. His leadership of the Gujarat Titans has played a big part in that.
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