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Hardik Pandya: (Image Source: BCCI/IPL)
After guiding the team to the final of the Indian T20 League 2022 on Tuesday, skipper Hardik Pandya came up with a strong reply when he was asked about the critics constantly questioning his form and fitness.
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The qualifier 1 match of the Indian T20 League was played between Gujarat and Rajasthan on Tuesday at Eden Gardens Stadium. Riding on a stellar knock from Jos Buttler (89 off 56) and a valuable contribution from Sanju Samson (47 off 26), Rajasthan posted a formidable score of 188 runs in the first innings. However, it didn’t prove enough as Hardik Pandya and Co. chased down the score with three balls remaining.
Shubman Gill (35 off 21) and Mathew Wade (35 off 30) set the tone with a 72-run partnership. Later, Hardik Pandya and David Miller joined hands and produced an unbeaten 106-run partnership to guide the team home with three balls remaining in the end. David Miller produced a match-winning knock of 68 runs in 38 balls. Needing 16 runs in the final over, he hit three sixes on the first three balls to take the team to the final.
Skipper, Hardik Pandya continued his good form as he played yet another top-class knock of 40 runs in 27 balls and remained unbeaten right till the end. After the game, Hardik Pandya told how he dealt with the constant criticism that he faced with regards to his fitness and form.
“Logo ka toh kaam hai kehna. Kya karu sir? Hardik Pandya ke saath thoda news bikta hai. Mujhe koi problem nahi hai. Hasi ke saath nikal deta hoon.” (It’s people’s job to speak. What can I do sir? News sells on Hardik Pandya’s name. I am okay with it. I just laugh it off).” said Pandya in post-match conference.
Hardik Pandya has been nothing short of outstanding this season, both with his captaincy and as a player. He has bowled crucial overs in the power play and is currently the highest run-getter for the team. In 14 matches, he has managed to score 453 runs at an average of 45.3.