‘Need to make sure the game doesn’t go so deep’ - Skipper Hardik Pandya after GT’s six-wicket win over PBKS in IPL 2023

After a six-wicket win over Punjab Kings in the ongoing IPL 2023, Gujarat Titans’ skipper Hardik Pandya admitted that his team should have chased down the target much ahead of the final over. Instead, they took the game deep and were in trouble at one point but Rahul Tewatia once again played an important role in GT’s success. 

Meanwhile, analysing their performance after the match, Pandya mentioned that there was a lot to learn from the game. He expressed his desire to finish the game early and believes that the team needs to go back to the drawing board to figure things out. The 29-year-old also pointed out that GT batters need to take more risk in the middle overs.

“To be very honest, I would not appreciate the game to go this close from the situation we were in. There was definitely a lot for us to learn from this game. That’s the beauty of sports, it’s never over till it’s over. We need to go back to the drawing board. They bowled really well. Luckily all our batters are in good nick. We should take risks and play shots in the middle overs, need to make sure the game doesn’t go so deep,” Pandya said in the post-match presentation.

Pandya lauded Mohit Sharma for his influential performance

The skipper also praised veteran pacer Mohit Sharma who made his first IPL appearance in three years. Last year, he was playing as a net bowler in the GT camp but this year, the defending champions signed him during the auction and in his debut match for the franchise, Mohit picked up two wickets, leaking just 18 runs in four overs. 

Thus, Pandya was impressed with his performance and along with him, he also gave credit to West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph, who picked up one wicket and gave away 32 runs in his four overs.

“The wicket was good but because of the hardness of the soil and wicket, the ball was getting dried up. It was a belter when the new ball was playing. I was not surprised when Mohit and Alzarri came. They bowled terrific. Credit to Mohit to come join us as a net bowler and then wait for his chance, knowing his time will come and today it came,” Pandya said.

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