TATA IPL 2022 LIVE: If Hardik Pandya is fit and bowling, he’ll return to the Indian team, according to former head coach Ravi Shastri. For today’s IPL Match Predictions and match updates, read here on our site.

The Indian all-rounder has not played international cricket since the T20 World Cup last year in the UAE. He bowled only four overs across five matches in the ICC event. While he had managed only 69 runs in three innings.

The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 could be a break or make the tournament for Hardik. He is also captaining a franchise for the very first time in his IPL career. The Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper started his new journey of leadership on a positive note on Monday. GT defeated their co-debutants Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by five wickets at the Wankhede Stadium.

Even though Hardik did not make a breakthrough, he bowled his full quota of four overs. The all-rounder also scored a crucial 33 off 28 balls during his side’s successful chase of 159.

Shastri, who closely worked with Hardik during his time as the coach of Team India, was impressed with the Baroda player’s performance. Shastri thought Hardik was a complete package against LSG.

“He knows if he is fully fit, he walks into the side. If he is fully fit and bowling, I don’t think he has to worry about his place on the side, the other guys will have to. He is a match-winner and a complete package. He is a safe fielder in the outfield. He is a smart bowler, he judges things well because he thinks like a batter when he bowls,” Shastri said in an interview.

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The former India captain Shastri believes that Hardik bowling again is a “terrific sign for Indian cricket”. The GT skipper is twice the player when he bowls, which also helps him bat differently, according to Shastri. Here are more IPL betting apps for IOS and Android.

IPL 2022: Hardik is an entertainer, crowd-pleaser, says Shastri

TATA IPL 2022 LIVE: If Hardik Pandya Bowls, He’ll Return To Team India, Says Ravi Shastri
TATA IPL 2022 LIVE: If Hardik Pandya Bowls, He’ll Return To Team India, Says Ravi Shastri

The 59-year-old also pointed out that it is crucial for players such as Hardik to stay fit and play the whole IPL season, keeping in mind the entertainment quotient.

“He looks fit and the early picture also says that he has probably worked very hard and also realises that with the World Cup coming up in four months from now, he has got to be in at his optimum fitness. There is no greater site in IPL when someone like Hardik is in full flow. He is an entertainer, match-winner and crowd pleaser. He has got the whole package,” Shastri added in the same interview.

Hardik made his IPL debut in 2015 with Mumbai Indians (MI) and won four titles with them, including in his maiden season. He has scored 1,509 runs and has 42 wickets to his name over the years in the cash-rich tournament.

Gujarat, led by Hardik, will next be in action on Saturday (April 2) against Delhi Capitals (DC).

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