Pandya doesn’t need label to be part of India’s leadership group: Dravid

Hardik Pandya is set to make a comeback into the Indian T20 squad, when KL Rahul and co take on South Africa. The all-rounder, who captained the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022, last played in national colours in the T20 World Cup last year. 

Pandya made his captaincy debut in the IPL this year. The 28-year-old led the Gujarat Titans to the title after finishing at the top of the points table. He also led the team’s charts with 487 runs in 15 games at 44.27 and strike rate of 131.26. The Baroda-based player also took eight wickets, including a match-winning 3/17 in the final. 

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The GT skipper’s leadership skills in the IPL gave rise to discussions around him being ready for the role in the national set-up. KL Rahul will lead the team vs South Africa with Rishabh Pant as his deputy. India head coach Rahul Dravid talking to the media ahead of the series said that Pandya doesn’t need a tag to be a part of the leadership group. 

“I just met Hardik couple of hours ago. I think his leadership was impressive right through the IPL, he performed well. But I mean you don’t need to be designated a leader to be part of any leadership group,” Dravid said. 

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He further continued that IPL 2022 saw several Indian players lead their respective sides. Shreyas Iyer captained KKR, Sanju Samson was with the Rajasthan Royals and KL Rahul with LSG. 

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“Yeah, in terms of what happens ahead, whether someone leads the team or not, it depends on many factors. The selectors will take the decision based on what they see and what happens in the future, availability of players. It is great we have got a lot of Indian captains doing well in the IPL. Hardik was one of them, Rahul did very well for LSG, Sanju captained RR. Shreyas did it at KKR as well. It helps people grow and develop as players. It really helps you grow as a person also, having to make decisions. It is great from our perspective to see that,” Dravid added.