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Who Would Have Thought 7 Months Back: Hardik On Getting India Captaincy For Ireland T20Is

Mumbai: Team India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya made a strong comeback in the game in the 2022 Indian Premier League. Pandya ended the season as the fourth-highest run-scorer (487 runs in 15 matches) and also led the Gujarat Titans to title victory in their maiden season.

In an interview with Star Sports, Pandya said on being given the India captaincy, is a reward for the hard work that he kept away from action over the course of six months.

“I knew at the beginning of the series. Obviously, it’s always an honour to lead your country. Who would have thought 7 months ago? Life changes. It’s a lot if you have the right mind and hard work This may change,” Hardik said.

Pandya also reflected on the six months ahead of IPL 2022 and said that he wanted to return to his former self, referring to the time before his tryout with injuries that eventually ruled him out for almost half a year.

“When I took a break from cricket, I decided that whenever I return, I will come back with my best version. With it came the byproduct; We became champions (in IPL), and I got vice-captain of the Indian team, it’s all a by-product of the process that I follow. Things that happened before. I decided that I wanted to return to my old version; Who was fit, who batted, who bowled, who fielded,” Pandya said.

The all-rounder further said that there cannot be a bigger U-turn than this.

Hardik said, “When I look back at how I was six months ago, and how I am after six months… my life can’t take a bigger U-turn than this.”

Talking about his upcoming captaincy with Team India for the two T20 Internationals against Ireland, Hardik said that he never shied away from responsibilities.

“I want the responsibility. It allows me to make the right decision, to manage things. I know I will make the right decisions because I own them,” said the all-rounder.

“I know what my role is in the team. That’s the reason I’m fit, physically and mentally. It is good knowing that you will be a key member. I know whenever the opportunity comes, I will deliver. My goal is to take responsibility because they eventually make you a better cricketer.”

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