IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya Reminds Of Rohit Sharma When He Was First Named Mumbai Skipper, Says Sunil Gavaskar

Ex-India skipper Sunil Gavaskar feels additional captaincy responsibility has nurtured Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya as a responsible batsman and a leader.

New Delhi: Indian cricket team's former captain Sunil Gavaskar said new franchise Gujarat Titans *GT) captain Hardik Pandya reminds him of Rohit Sharma when the senior opener was appointed as the captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise for the first time.

Back in 2013, when Rohit Sharma was made captain of Mumbai Indians, the captaincy responsibilities transformed him as a player completely. Gavaskar opined the same thing is happening to Hardik ever since he became captain of Gujarat Titans. The veteran feels additional responsibility has nurtured Hardik as a responsible batsman and a leader.

Speaking on 'Cricket Live' on Star Sports, Gavaskar said: "What I see with Hardik is exactly what happened to Rohit Sharma when he first got the captaincy of Mumbai Indians midway through the season (in IPL 2013). Suddenly (we saw) Rohit Sharma from playing those lovely cameos of 40s, 50s, and 60s now staying right till the end and taking responsibility. His shot selections became much better (with his captaincy)."

"Similarly, you can see that happening with Hardik, his shot selection is absolutely terrific. Of course, he's an outstanding fielder and (that was the case with) Rohit Sharma, he was a brilliant fielder in the covers and close-in as well (in those days). So Pandya is showing those qualities too and that's why Gujarat Titans are doing so well," he added.

Former Indian spinner Piyush Chawla also praised Hardik for batting with maturity in the top-order.

Chawla said: "The way Hardik has batted is commendable and he is taking a lot of responsibility. Earlier, he used to bat at number 5 and 6 but now he's batting at number 3 and 4 and so it's good to see him do well. He's looking in control, there are no signs of panic."

"He's looking to bat deep, he knows that if he stays till the end, then he can recover his strike rate if at all there is a dip in the middle stages. He's looking very mature as a batter," former spinner added.

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif said: "He's not a slogger at all. He has a strong base and a good batting technique. He plays brilliant cover drives and pulls shots. He's equally good against the spinners and plays grounded at ease and hits all around the ground. These are signs of a good batter, not a slogger, his basics are clear."