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Hardik Pandya: (Image Source: BCCI/IPL)
Prior to the start of the Indian T20 League 2022, not a lot of people expected Hardik Pandya to lead Gujarat to the final of the cash-rich tournament. Given the fact that he hadn’t led any team previously, a lot of experts questioned Gujarat's decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as their captain. However, the Indian all-rounder silenced all his critics by taking the team to the final and could lift the title as well on Sunday.
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Hardik Pandya impressed one and all with his decision-making on the field and has become a lot more mature as a batter. After witnessing his exceptional leadership skills, the selectors are now deliberating to hand him the leadership duty ahead of the upcoming series against Ireland.
“Hardik has been impressive. What is more satisfying is that he has become a very responsible player as a captain. He is certainly in the scheme of things for the captaincy role for the Ireland tour,” a member of the selection committee told InsideSport.
It has been understood that both KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant won’t be available for the Ireland series as the duo will be in England to play the rescheduled Test. Thus, the selectors are thinking to appoint Hardik Pandya as the captain for the Ireland series. Earlier, Shikhar Dhawan was set to become the captain for the series, however, Hardik Pandya might pip him to take over the role.
“See, it’s still too early to make any announcements. Hardik is one of the names but a decision will be taken only during the South Africa series. What’s important is that he remains fit and in form. He is a very crucial member of the squad,” the member of the selection committee said.
Playing their debut season, Gujarat have managed to reach the final of the Indian T20 League 2022 after beating Rajasthan by 7 wickets in the Qualifier 1 match. Hardik Pandya played a valuable unbeaten knock of 40 runs in just 27 balls in that game and is currently the highest run-scorer for the team. In 14 matches, he has managed to score 453 runs 14 matches at 45.30.