IPL 2022: Always wanted responsibility as cricketer, makes you better player, says Hardik Pandya relishing captaincy

Pandya is revelling in his new role as the leader of Gujarat Titans, saying extra responsibility and challenges have made him a better cricketer. Pandya notched his third win as skipper in the IPL on Friday when Gujarat Titans beat Punjab Kings by six wickets. The new entrants have a 100 per cent record in the league, having won all their three matches played so far. They sit second on the points table.

Read AlsoIPL 2022, GT vs PBKS: Rahul Tewatia provides finishing touch after Shubman Gill sets up Gujarat Titans win against Punjab Kings

Rahul Tewatia walked in at the fall of skipper Hardik Pandya on the very first ball of the final over, and took the onus of getting his side over the line in the last two balls. But it was Shubman Gill, who despite missing out on a maiden IPL century by four runs, set the tone of the chase.

Pandya has been contributing with the bat, besides bowling a full quota of four overs while also captaining the side. "I am enjoying captaincy, always wanted to have responsibility as a cricketer and that is the reason I have become a better cricketer, because facing challenges makes you better," he said at the post match presentation. "I have been on both side before - I have won and lost - so (I'm) cool and composed because I try to stay neutral. "That's our team motto as well, win or lose we are neutral, we celebrate our losses also, they are very important as it gives the wins more value," he added. Young Shubman Gill scored a magnificent 96 off 59 balls before all-rounder Rahul Tewatia hit a couple of sixes off the last two deliveries to seal a memorable win for the Titans. Gill has been in splendid form as before the 96 against Punjab Kings, he had smashed an 84 against Delhi Capitals. "Shubman