Pandya, Malinga embrace after Gujarat vs Rajasthan, fans nostalgic

Hardik Pandya was seen embracing his former teammate and coach Lasith Malinga after the Gujarat Titans defeated the Rajasthan Royals at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai on Thursday. The two played together for the Mumbai Indians from 2015 until the Sri Lankan pacer retired in 2019. He then took up a coaching gig with the five-time champions before shifting base to Rajasthan this year. 

Also read: IPL 2022: Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya explains walking off the field vs Rajasthan Royals

Pandya, who captains the Gujarat Titans, shared a light moment with Malings that reminded fans of their time at the Mumbai Indians camp. 

Watch:

“This is beautiful picture – Hardik Pandya and Lasith Malinga after the match,” a Twitter user wrote. 

“This is beautiful picture – Hardik Pandya and Lasith Malinga after the match,” another one said. 

Also read: Lyon likens Border-Gavaskar to Ashes, calls Asia a ‘bloody exciting’ challenge

“Hardik Pandya taking care of Lasith Malinga. Such a beautiful picture,” a third one tweeted. 

Pandya put up a brilliant all-round show against the Royals to guide his side to a 37 run victory. The skipper scored 87 runs off 52 balls with the help of eight boundaries and four maximums before taking a wicket for 18 runs in the second innings. The 28-year-old also affected a run out and took a catch off his own bowling. 

Hardik Pandya has to walk off the field mid-way through his spell. He said that it was ‘just cramps’. 

Also read: Former India coach Ravi Shastri wishes to reverse two World Cup semis results

“Always good to win. Not used to batting for so long. Gives me time though to calculate. Today I got the rhythm and planned my knock. It allows the others to play freely. I have done the other role where I have scored 12 balls 30. Captaincy is always fun. Be the flagbearer of the team. The team is gelling well. I wanted all of us to be happy for each other’s happiness. That is working well for the team,” the Gujarat Titans skipper said after the match.