IPL 2023: He’s been our best death overs hitter – Hardik Pandya lauds Abhinav Manohar

Defending champions Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya was delighted after their convincing win of 55 runs against Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Tuesday. Pandya hailed Abhinav Manohar, who scored a blistering knock of 42 runs from only 21 balls with the help of three fours and as many sixes.

Manohar joined forces with David Miller when GT found themselves at 101-4 after 11.2 overs. The right-hander was able to hit the ground running as he batted at his absolute best. He was also awarded Player of the Match for his fine knock.

The left and right-hand batting pair added 71 runs off just 35 balls for the reigning champions to help them go past the 200-run mark. Miller also played a key role as he scored 46 runs from 22 balls, with two fours and four sixes.

Subsequently, the finishing touches were given by Rahul Tewatia, who played a brilliant cameo of 5-ball 20. Meanwhile, Pandya revealed that Manohar has been working hard in the nets and he is now reaping rewards for the same.

Hardik Pandya said in the post-match presentation, “I think it is all hardwork, he bats 2 hours in the nets every day it feels like, he’s been our best death overs hitter. We spoke to him last year and there were a few things he had to improve on, and this year he’s come out blazing.”

On the other hand, Pandya revealed that he backs himself to take the tough calls according to the match situations. The all-rounder also disclosed why he bowled Noor Ahmed and Rashid Khan when Tim David and Cameron Green were at the crease.

Pandya added, “That has been my motto, always taking calls on situations. T20 is very funny, a couple of sixes can change your mind. Captaincy is something I back my instincts on. Me and Ashu Pa have a similar mindset, we back our calls and we have similar calls. Today, the idea of bowling Rashid and Noor was simple. They like pace with Green and Tim David who are big hitters, and that’s why we wanted to offer them spin and offer them spinners that are difficult to read. Wanted to close the game early because a couple of games haven’t gone in our favor recently.”

Gujarat Titans will next face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday.