'He doesn't dwell on the past' - Ex-India star supplies 'no-nonsense' take on Hardik Pandya's captaincy in IPL 2023

In the 16th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), defending champion Gujarat Titans (GT) defeated Shikhar Dhawan's Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Mohali to get back on track after their shocking loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The Gujarat Titans, led by famous all-rounder Hardik Pandya, will try to beat their arch-rivals Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their upcoming home game on Sunday to take first place in the IPL 2023 standings.

In their inaugural season last year, Gujarat Titans won the prestigious trophy under the all-arounder Pandya's leadership. Pandya's GT team defeated RR in the IPL 2022 championship game. In an interesting turn of events, when the reigning champions square off with Sanju Samson & Co. in their first encounter of the new season, GT's undefeated record versus RR will be on the line. In their last three meetings in the lucrative league with RR, GT has prevailed.

'Hardik Pandya is a captain who keeps looking forward…' – Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif was all love for Gujarat Titans captain Pandya in his remarks before the IPL 2022 final rematch. "Hardik Pandya is a captain who keeps looking forward. He doesn't dwell on the past much. They lost the match and got over it. Now, they're ready for a new match. This team is very positive. This team looks to maintain its momentum because when you are playing to defend the title, you need that momentum," Kaif told Star Sports.

Pandya, the captain of Gujarat Titans, was fined 12 lakh INR for keeping a sluggish over rate in GT's previous game against Punjab Kings. Pandya's GT team is ranked third in the IPL 2023 rankings with three victories and one loss to their record.

While Kaif praised GT captain Pandya, Yusuf Pathan, a former Indian cricketer, identified the Rajasthan Royals as one of the IPL 2023's top challengers for the crown. "Rajasthan Royals are looking a very strong team in IPL 2023. This team is playing excellent cricket this season as well. Their batting looks very strong. They have quality bowlers. Sanju Samson is leading the team like a great captain," Pathan said.