IPL 2022 trophy-winning captain Hardik Pandya claims that BCCI never dropped him from the National team and it was his decision to take off from national duties.
Hardik Pandya Lauds BCCI
Hardik Pandya who was dropped by Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2022 was assigned the role of captain for the new franchise Gujarat Titans. Hardik repaid the faith shown in him by leading the Gujarat Titans to win their maiden IPL trophy in their maiden IPL season.
Hardik Pandya who had a forgettable season last year, have scored 487 runs at a strike rate of 131.27 which includes 4 half-centuries with a best of unbeaten 87 runs.
With the ball, Hardik bagged 8 wickets with the best of 3 wickets for 17 runs. Hardik achieved his best bowling figure in the IPL 2022 final against Rajasthan Royals.
Hardik Pandya dismissed three key players of the Rajasthan Royals and paved the path for Gujarat Titans to win their maiden trophy. Hardik dismissed Jos Buttler(39), Sanju Samson(14), and Hetmyer(11) in the final match.
Following his impressive all-rounding performance in IPL 2022, BCCI selectors named Hardik in the T20I squad for South Africa series.
Hardik Pandya in a recent video released on his franchise Twitter account has revealed that he was never dropped from the Indian cricket team. He also thanked BCCI for allowing him to take long breaks.
“Lot of people don’t know that I took off; It was my decision. A lot of misconception is that I was dropped. You get dropped when you are available. Thankful to the BCCI as they allowed me to take long breaks and did not even force me to come back,” said Hardik.
“The old Hardik will be back!” 💪
🎥 #PapaPandya will be back in Blue, and we are excited! 🔥 #INDvSA #TeamIndia @hardikpandya7 pic.twitter.com/6KaQBb7860
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) June 3, 2022
“The old Hardik will be back. Now the fans are back, it’s time for me to make comeback. A lot of matches are going to be played and I’m looking forward to it. What I did for my franchise, I will also make sure that I can also do the same for my country,” the star all-rounder concluded,” Hardik concluded.
Indian star batter Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been rested for the South Africa series. Notably, after 13 long years, India will play a T20I at home without Kohli and Rohit.
In the absence of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul will lead the side with Rishabh Pant as his deputy. CHECK: Siddarth Kaul praised Dinesh Karthik who made a come back to the senior national team after 3 years following his IPL 2022 performance.
