'CSK's environment has inspired me a lot' - Hardik Pandya compares MI and CSK's success methodologies

The defending champions Gujarat Titans have been having a great season in IPL 2023 as they are ranked on the top spot with eight wins from 11 matches. The Hardik Pandya-led side has once again looked in top form, with every player rising to the occasion at crucial junctures of the game. Much of Gujarat’s success is credited to captain Pandya who took them to a title victory in their inaugural season.

The 29-year-old recently revealed his approach to captaincy in an interview and compared the success methods of Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Pandya stated that while Mumbai had the best players on board, Chennai got the best of their available resources, which was more inspiring for him. Hence, he always looks to build a great team environment where every player is allowed to express himself.

“There are two kind of success you can get. One is get the bestest people possible from A to B which I feel MI had, those few years where we’ve won or have the best environment possible for you to win which has been a CSK type where no matters who players are they get the best out of them. That was more inspiring for me to not get the best players but to get the best environment and get this thing,” said Pandya in a chat with former India cricketer Robin Uthappa on Jio Cinema.

Meanwhile, in their previous game against Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat posted a massive total of 227/2 in their allotted 20 overs. GT got off to a flying start as openers Wriddhiman Saha (81 off 43), and Shubman Gill added 142 runs for the first wicket off just 73 balls. Following Saha’s dismissal, Gill continued his splendid knock and remained unbeaten on 94* off 51 balls.

GT registered their eighth win of the season against LSG

In reply, LSG succumbed to the huge scoreboard pressure and could only manage to reach 171/7 in the second innings handing a 56-run victory to Gujarat. Quinton de Kock (70 off 41) and Kyle Mayers (48 off 32) were the top scorers for LSG, while Mohit Sharma (4/29) was the pick of the bowlers for Gujarat.

Having won their last two games, Gujarat will next lock horns with Mumbai Indians on Friday, May 12, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.