Xtra Time Web Desk: Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya surprised his critics by lifting the IPL 2022 trophy last night. Hardik led Titans beat Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in the final played at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. The Gujarat Titans captain was adjudged the Player of the Match for his inspiring spell where he took three crucial wickets by giving away only 17 runs in his four overs. Later during the run chase, when two quick wickets fell, he stood firm and played a defiant knock of 34 runs from 30 balls.
There was a moment last night during the presentation ceremony when Hardikโs gesture reminded former India and CSK captain MS Dhoni. When Hardik was handed over the IPL trophy by BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and Secretary Jay Shah, he immediately handed it over to the youngsters in the team and positioned himself in the margins, as if to let the team take the centre stage. It spoke volumes of his maturity as a leader and a perfect team man.
Watch the video of Hardik Pandya passing on the IPL trophy to teammates:
There were quite a few eyebrows raised when he was named by the franchise as their captain. With added responsibility, Hardik not only excelled as a leader but also found his mojo back in the recently concluded season.