IPL 2023: Hardik Pandya’s calmness as leader reminds MS Dhoni’s Sunil Gavaskar | cricket news

For two consecutive seasons, Hardik Pandya he has led the Gujarat Titans to an IPL final, and the all-rounder’s leadership skills have earned respect from all, including legend Sunil Gavaskar, who compared Hardik’s calm to that of ‘Captain Cool’ MS Dhoni.
On Sunday, the two will meet in the IPL Final 2023where Gujarat Titans will be looking to defend the title they won in their debut season last year against four-time champions Chennai Super Kings.
The Titans, under the guidance of Pandya, sailed to their second successive IPL final after defeating five-time champions Mumbai Indians by 62 runs in Qualifier 2 to set up a crowning clash with four-time winners Chennai Super Kings.

“He (Hardik) has been very open about his admiration and affection for MSD, as has everyone who has followed MSD’s career. When they go out to the draw, they will be very friendly and smiley all that,” Gavaskar told Star Sports. . “But when it comes to the match, it will be a completely different atmosphere. It is a very good opportunity for Hardik Pandya to show how quickly he has learned.”
Taking over the captaincy in GT’s inaugural season, Pandya guided the team to its first IPL title.
“When he captained for the first time last year, nobody knew what to expect because he has also been one of the most exciting and exciting cricketers ever,” Gavaskar said.

“The calm he brings to the team is reminiscent of MSD. This is a happy team, which is exactly what we see with CSK as well. Hardik has a lot of credit for that.”
Gavaskar also credited the success of GT to trainer Ashish Nehra.
“I wouldn’t want to miss out on Ashish Nehra. She’s a person, when she’s in the locker room or the comms box (commentary), you can’t help but laugh. She makes life look so easy and she has one of the sharpest skills.” cricket brains”, the 73-year-old man.

Gujarat had lost to CSK in Qualifier 1. Now they will have another chance against Dhoni’s army in Sunday’s final and Gavaskar said it will be a tough battle for the Chennai team.
“They (GT) have always been a top class team. Look at the way they have topped the table. They finished with 20 points, 3 more than Chennai Super Kings. It tells you how Gujarat Titans dominated in the league stages. No It must be surprising that they have reached the final, they have played cricket champions.
“And that’s why they’re in the final. CSK knows they have a real, real fight on their hands.”

(With inputs from the agency)