IPL 2023What Hardik Pandya did against RR was kind of a statement, says Shaun Tait after GT win

By India Today Sports DeskFormer Australia pacer Shaun Tait heaped praise on Hardik Pandya after his blistering knock against Rajasthan Royals which helped Gujarat Titans secure a commanding nine-wicket win on Friday.

Hardik has been leading his side from the front this season which can be seen in his performances on the field as GT sit on top of the IPL 2023 points table.

However, there was a bit of criticism levelled at him after their loss to DC recently, where many felt the all-rounder should have seen his side home. Hardik was also very critical of his performance on the day.

On Friday, however, the 29-year-old was looking to show how much he learned from the DC loss. After the bowlers had done well to bundle out RR for 118, GT were well on track for the win when Hardik came in.

However, the GT skipper decided to put his foot on the pedal and took on the bowlers. Hardik took apart Adam Zampa as he hit the RR spinner for three sixes and a boundary in one over.

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Hardik remained unbeaten on 39 from just 15 deliveries as GT won the match with 37 balls to spare.

Speaking about the performance on Cricinfo, Tait said that Hardik was trying to make a statement with his performance. The former pacer said that the GT skipper could have nudged it around and got the team home and praised him for the intent he showed.

“What Hardik did tonight was kind of a statement I suppose. Certainly, could have come in and nudged them around and get them over the line in the 19th over. I liked the way he went about that,” said Tait.

Tait also said GT not changing their lineup often is a good sign and compared them to the champion sides of Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings from the past seasons.

“When you’re not changing your team too often, that’s a good sign. When Mumbai were going through their dynasty, they didn’t change often. They kept it so simple. Guys bowling in the same spots, batting order tinkering when needed. Chennai do it well and this side looks like they’re on the same track,” said Tait.