(Cricket news) Gujarat Titans in their very first season in the IPL took the tournament by a storm. Not only did they finish at the top of the table, they then went on to win the qualifier 1 and the finals to win the coveted trophy. Before the start of the season, there were a lot of doubts regarding the GT squad with experts and fans labelling them as the weakest team on paper. Their players have proved everyone wrong as a lot of different players have stepped up in games to win matches for the team. It is what you call a complete team performance and a lot of credit has to go to Ashish Nehra and Gary Kirsten for their work behind the scenes.

At the centre of it all has been captain Hardik Pandya. Mumbai Indians surprisingly chose not to retain Hardik Pandya as they went for Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav and Kieron Pollard. A lot of eyebrows were raised when Gujarat Titans picked Hardik Pandya as their first draft pick for 15 cr and made him the captain. He had no previous experience of captaining a team at any major level let alone in a tournament like the IPL. Throughout this season, his leadership skills have been excellent. All the Gujarat players have praised his role in the side on numerous occasions.

Pandya's individual performances have also been excellent. In 15 games this season he has scored 487 runs at a strike rate of 131.27 with the willow. Batting at number 3 or 4 during the season, Pandya was seen in a different role as an anchor and he did it perfectly finishing as the 4th highest run scorer. He returned with the ball this tournament and reminded everyone what he is capable of. Although he didn't bowl in every match, Pandya picked up 8 wickets at an average of 27.75 and an economy of just 7.28. His 3/17 in the final against Rajasthan Royals was absolutely incredible and very instrumental for the win. The good thing was that he was able to clock 140+ KMPH which shows how much his bowling fitness has improved. 

Hardik Pandya is already back in the Indian T20 side for the series against South Africa. A comeback in the ODI squad should also happen eventually depending on a few factors. The immediate concern for Rahul Dravid will be Pandya's role in the team. He has batted higher up the order in the IPL this season but India need him to bat lower down the order. His fitness is something that will have to be handled with caution and not taken for granted. Another injury is the last thing Indian team and Hardik Pandya want. The 1st of the 5 T20Is against South Africa will be on 9th June.

Also read: Centurion Rajat Patidar's IPL 2022 Journey from agony to ecstasy