GT vs MIHardik Pandya will do something special with the bat in next few games, says Abhinav Manohar

By India Today Sports DeskGujarat Titans batter Abhinav Manohar believes that skipper Hardik Pandya will deliver something special with the bat in the next few games after their win over Mumbai Indians on Tuesday.

Hardik was one of the key batters for GT in their maiden season but in IPL 2023, the Indian all-rounder is yet to make his mark. While Hardik did score an important 66 against LSG, the match against MI saw the GT skipper once again fail to capitalize on a steady start he made.

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In IPL 2023, Hardik has scored 128 runs at an average of 21.13 and a strike-rate of 117.43. However, Manohar feels that it is only matter of time before the GT skipper finds form.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, the GT batter hailed Hardik as a world class batter and said that the fans can expect something special from the all-rounder in the next few games.

“Hardik is a world class batter. It’s just a matter of time when he comes back. I’m sure he is going to come in and in the next few games, he is going to do something special,” said Manohar.

Manohar was one of the heroes with the bat for GT against MI, as he and David Miller’s partnership helped the home side set up a big total in Ahmedabad.

The GT batter opened up on his conversation with Miller and said that they both were ready to hit the ball in their zone and not produce any half-hearted shots.

“We were talking out there in the middle. Whatever ball is in our zone, we shall go for it and not give any half-hearted effort at the shot. Plus, I felt Miller being out there in the middle, talking to me, helps me calm down when I’m batting over there,” said Manohar.

Manohar also said he felt batting in the second innings was easier on the day and credited the GT bowlers for sealing the win against MI.

I felt it was easy to bat in the second innings, but our bowlers really bowled well. They lost a few wickets early on, which didn’t allow the batters to come out and play their game. I felt it was easier to bat in the second innings because of the dew.