In the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gujarat Titans have turned out to be the surprise package. Many had felt that Gujarat hadn't got a decent side after the mega auction ended. But to everyone's surprise, Gujarat have been a force to reckon with, winning six of their seven matches and sitting pretty on top of points table.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
One of the big factors for Gujarat's success has been the performance of Hardik Pandya as captain and player. With the bat, he is the leading run-getter for the side while batting at three and four, scoring 295 runs at an average of 73.75 and strike-rate of 136.6. With his right-arm pace, he has picked four wickets at an economy rate of 7.6. As a captain, Pandya has marshalled his side into becoming a winning force.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Now, with Gujarat set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, former England off-spinner Graeme Swann feels that Pandya is thriving on being a senior player and leader of the side while showing calmness. Pandya is entering the match against Hyderabad on the back of a hat-trick of fifties, including a fifty against the same opposition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Hardik's great. He's calm, he's cool and is doing a really great job. Captaincy brings out the best in some people and the worst in others either performance-wise or character flaws. With Hardik, it's brought out the best in him," Swann was quoted as saying by cricket.com.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"He's someone, who thrives on being the senior player, the leader and he exudes calmness His team are helping him out. As a leader, if your team aren't performing and winning you games, everyone will say you're rubbish. Look at Jadeja, I think he is a good captain but CSK aren't winning games," added Swann.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Wednesday's match between the two teams promises to be a showdown between two strong bowling attacks, especially in terms of pace bowling. Swann feels that Hyderabad's bowling attack has got the upper hand over Gujarat due to presence of left-arm pacer Marco Jansen and tearaway pacer Umran Malik.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"On the way to the ground, I'm genuinely excited to watch SRH bowl. Not only have they got 8 foot 15 Jansen bowling good pace left-arm, but Umran Malik, he has brought to the IPL something that we have not seen for a few years. A fresh fast bowler, out-and-out pace."<\/p>\r\n\r\n