My focus is on Indian T20 league and not India comeback: Hardik Pandya

Gujarat have had a superb start to their maiden Indian T20 league season. They have won six out of their first seven matches, and are currently placed at the top of the points table. Their captain Hardik Pandya has been impressive as a captain. Several experts and analysts have appreciated his leadership style.

Besides, he has led from the front. Despite generally being perceived as a finisher, the all-rounder has promoted himself up the order. He has taken the responsibility to build the innings in almost every game. So far, Pandya has scored 295 runs in six innings at an average of 73.75. As a matter of fact, he is currently the second-highest run-scorer of the 2022 edition.

In what happens to be an icing over the cake, the aggressive all-rounder has started to regularly bowl as well. Thus, all the fans expect him to make a comeback to the Indian team. However, Pandya isn't currently thinking about that. He stated that his focus is currently on the 15th edition of the Indian T20 league.

“I don’t think it’s my (India) comeback anyway and secondly I don’t focus on my comeback. I focus on the game which I play. At the moment, I am playing the Indian T20 league and will focus on it, then will see where the future takes. It’s never in my hands now. I focus on the team which I’m playing in. We are doing well and I’m very happy,” said Hardik Pandya during a post-match press conference after Gujarat's eight-run win over Kolkata on Saturday.

It is to be noted that the 28-year-old scored a brilliant 67 from 49 balls against the Shreyas Iyer-led side. After which, some disciplined bowling by Mohammed Shami and Rashid Khan enabled the Gujarat-based franchise to a spectacular win. In the meanwhile, Pandya drew light on the added responsibilities as a captain.

“Captaincy obviously helps. I’m always a cricketer who loves to take responsibility. I have a bit of understanding of the game having batted for so many years. You’re successful because you have an understanding of the game. Having played so many matches, I’m able to use my experience. So far, so good,” he added.