Hardik Pandya Records: GT Captain Equals Rohit Sharma Feat; Leaves MS Dhoni Behind After Winning IPL 2022

IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya also became the third skipper to do it in the first attempt. 

Ahmedabad: There were doubts over his fitness and form before the IPL, but Hardik Pandya has proved his critics wrong by leading Gujarat Titans to its maiden IPL title on Sunday night in Ahmedabad. Not only did he come good with the bat throughout this season batting a little higher-up in the order, Hardik also chipped in with wickets as and when Gujarat needed them.

By leading GT to the title, the star all-rounder joined Rohit Sharma in the company of three other Indians to win an IPL as a captain. MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir are the other two. He also became the third skipper to do it in the first attempt.

Hardik also went past Dhoni for the most IPL titles. Hardik now has five and is equal with Kieron Pollard and Ambati Rayudu. Rohit Sharma is on the top of the tree.

“This is the right example for any team in the world. If you can play as a team and build a good unit with genuine people around, wonders can happen. I and Ashu pa, we like to play proper bowlers. Batters can obviously chip in, but most of the time I have seen in T20 cricket – it’s a batter’s game but bowlers win you games,” Hardik Pandya said at the post-match presentation.

“Count myself lucky winning 5 finals, it’s been exciting. This is going to be a special one. We spoke about creating a legacy. Generation to come, everyone will remember this was the team who started this journey and to win the championship first year is very special,” he added.