IPL 2022 – Hardik Pandya gears up for big IPL: Injury-prone India all-rounder Hardik Pandya says he is still a “work in progress” and is focussing on the “controllables” as he gears up to lead Gujarat Titans in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) beginning March 26. Follow IPL 2022 live updates with InsideSport.IN.
IPL 2022: Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya gears up for big IPL season as he eyes India comeback, says ‘I am a work in progress’
The 28-year-old has been battling fitness concerns ever since injuring his back in 2019 and didn’t find a place in the Indian team for the last few series against New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka.
IPL 2022 – Hardik Pandya gears up for big IPL: “I was just spending time with family, working hard as always. (I’m) making sure I prepare well. For me, it was a time of self-realising a lot, think about what I want and what will work for me going forward; and I got the answers during this time,” Hardik said in a video posted on the IPL website.
New team & new role 👌
Exciting times ahead ✨@hardikpandya7 shares his emotions on being named the captain, his approach going into #TATAIPL 2022 & has a special message for the @gujarat_titans fans. 👍 👍 – By @28anandWatch the full interview 🎥 🔽https://t.co/IgDNquVxD1 pic.twitter.com/rukcXw5is7
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 19, 2022
There was a lot of buzz when Pandya was named the captain of the Gujarat Titans after he was not retained by Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL mega auction in February.
IPL 2022: Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya gears up for big IPL season as he eyes India comeback, says ‘I am a work in progress’
“I don’t think it is going to be my comeback or I am focusing on it. For me, right now I just want to be in a positive mindset and I’m not looking way ahead. I am just focussing on things that are the controllables, which is looking after my body and making my team win,” he said.
IPL 2022 – Hardik Pandya gears up for big IPL: “Eventually, if I do things right for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, then things will fall into places for future as well. I am just a work in progress right now but for me what will be important is that I will always be available for the players no matter what time and day. I want to give the players security and freedom.”
Love the new threads, our armour for our first season👌 Let’s get down to work now @gujarat_titans pic.twitter.com/qn5mJeAo3G
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) March 14, 2022
Pandya, who has been demoted from Grade A to C in the BCCI central contracts, had recently undergone a general assessment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru where he bowled and also passed the ‘Yo-Yo’ Test comfortably.
IPL 2022: Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya gears up for big IPL season as he eyes India comeback, says ‘I am a work in progress’
“I am looking forward to this IPL because I have been away from the sport for quite a long time. For me it is very exciting. I will get to see where exactly I am after three months of hard work that I have put in behind the closed doors,” he said.
“Result doesn’t matter because I have learnt hard work doesn’t guarantee you success but right process will eventually get you success.”
Gujarat Titans will clash with fellow debutants Lucknow Super Giants – led by KL Rahul – in their IPL 2022 opener on March 28.
IPL 2022 – Hardik Pandya gears up for big IPL: “I’m quite happy with the team. It is a new team and to be honest, we are not here to prove anyone anything. We are here to play good cricket.
“We are here to make sure that the environment is right for the players to flourish in their own capacity. There’s no expectation as such. We are going to be a team that makes sure it keeps improving.”
IPL 2022 LIVE Broadcast: Star Sports release 80 member strong commentary team,…
Pandya, who made his first appearance in the IPL in 2015 for Mumbai Indians, expressed his gratitude to the five-time champions.
“I am very grateful to Mumbai Indians. I played international cricket because of Mumbai Indians. I have achieved a lot and it was close to my heart, but now I am looking forward to new opportunities,” he said.
IPL 2022: Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya gears up for big IPL season as he eyes India comeback, says ‘I am a work in progress’
Follow IPL 2022 live updates with InsideSport.IN.
