Hardik Pandya, on Sunday, starred with the ball to put his team well on top against Rajasthan Royals in the final of the IPL 2022. Thanks to his stunning display with the ball, the high-flying Royals could only post 130 for 9 in the allotted 20 overs.

Playing their first-ever final in IPL, the Titans needed their captain to lead them from the front and he did not disappoint. The match did not really start on a good note for Titans as Pandya lost the toss and his team was invited to ball first.

But it did not matter much as Pandya led his troop brilliantly while leading the charge with the ball. The allrounder not only picked up three crucial wickets to derail Royals’ innings but was also highly economical.

Best bowling figures in the #IPL ✔️

5️⃣0️⃣ #IPL wickets ✔️

💥What a night @hardikpandya7 is having! 🫶🏻

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) May 29, 2022

The Titans skipper gave away just 17 runs off his 4 overs and picked up the huge wickets of Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer. Pandya’s first victim of the night was Samson. The Royals skipper was looking in good touch and had already hit two fours before Pandya cut short his stay at the crease.

Samson returned after scoring only 14. After that, he dismissed Buttler who entered the match on the back of a stunning century in the second qualifier. Buttler was finding it tough to score runs at a good pace and before he could open his arms in the second half of the innings, Pandya sent him packing.

The Royals opener returned to the pavilion after scoring only 39 runs from 35 balls. Pandya then ended Royals’ faint hopes of finishing their innings on a good note by dismissing Hetmyer for just 11.

As Hardik Pandya starred with the ball against the Royals, the cricket world showered praise on him. The social media has been flooded with messages from fans and experts, lavishing praise on the star allrounder.

Here are some of the messages for Hardik Pandya:

HARDIK the BOWLER is back .. what a spell captain 🔝👏@hardikpandya7 @gujarat_titans

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 29, 2022

Hardik Pandya – the best all-rounder from India in limited overs.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 29, 2022

Hardik Pandya the MVP – gets Jos Buttler for 39 in 35 balls. What a spell by Hardik, captain leading from front.

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 29, 2022

How did MI not retain this don Hardik Pandya man… Captain + batsman + gun fielder + bowler…. I mean they are not rookie franchises but the champion franchise lets this don go away… Should have given whatever he asked kept him for good.

— Sai (@akakrcb6) May 29, 2022

Brilliant spell by Hardik in this big game. Now caught the biggest fish of the match. #GTvsRR

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 29, 2022

Very impressed with how Hardik Pandya has handled things so far; and that includes these two overs he has bowled. #GT look calmer.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 29, 2022

Love a bowling Hardik Pandya #IPLFinals

— Isa Guha (@isaguha) May 29, 2022

Hardik Pandya clutch bowling in big match. Practice for 2023 WC final.

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) May 29, 2022

Always kept saying that Hardik Pandya’s bowling potential is huge. Feels great to see him delivering so well on a big stage like this. He has been exceptional with his consistency and use of hard lengths this season. What a Player!!#GTvRR

— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) May 29, 2022

This could turn out to be a superb day for Indian cricket, one of the most under appreciated players over the last few years could finally get the credit he deserves – Hardik Pandya, a true rockstar cricketer!

— Kieran (@BerbaSpinCric) May 29, 2022

My thoughts on Hardik Pandya’s captaincy earlier in the season. And he kept leading Gujarat Titans in the same way throughout the tournament. https://t.co/z5ZcSAdB11

— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) May 29, 2022

What a bowling from Hardik Pandya
Imagine comparing this don with any other all-rounder in this country.

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) May 29, 2022