While there are several national and international cricket stars who haven't yet managed to get their hands on the IPL trophy even once, Hardik Pandya is one of the lucky few who has clinched the trophy multiple times. Having won the IPL four times with the Mumbai Indians, he was released by the franchise ahead of IPL 2022 and appointed the captain of the Gujarat Titans.
The star India all-rounder led them team to victory in their first season in the competition in a remarkable feat. Hardik-led GT beat Rajasthan Royals in the final to emerge as the champions. It was Hardik's fifth IPL title overall and when asked to comment on the same, he said that he does not mind lifting trophies even if it may seem boring to others.
"I was fortunate to lift it four times before as well. It just adds a little cherry on the top, but I think winning is winning. But this is obviously very special," said Pandya on the GK meets GT podcast.
"Not at all, I don't mind (winning titles). I like boring things. Boring things are good actually. They say in my fitness regime, 'do the boring part most, because they're the most important thing. They're the most important exercises.' I feel if lifting trophies is boring, it's ok. Because that's the most important thing," the 29-year-old added.
In IPL 2023 too, GT have had a relatively good start to the season and have registered 3 wins from their 5 matches. With a net run rate of +0.192, they are currently at the number 4 position on the points table. Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings with eight points each are ahead of GT at the table as of now.
Notably, the two teams that finish first and second after the league stage play the Qualifier 1 while the teams ending on the third and the fourth place have to compete in the Eliminator in the Playoffs.