IPL 2023: Hardik Pandya on Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad – ‘They’re confident, clear in what they do’

The Gujarat Titans extended their lead in the Indian Premier League table to three points after a resounding nine-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Friday and captain Hardik Pandya had plenty to be happy about after arguably the strongest statement of a win for the defending champions so far.

The Royals, winning the toss and opting to bat, were bowled out for a meagre 118 in 17.5 overs. The defending champions then got to the total for the loss of just one wicket, with 37 balls to spare.

Titans’ spin maestro Rashid Khan was adjudged player of the match for his 3/14 after four overs. Also instrumental was Afghan teenager Noor Ahmad, who picked up two wickets for 25 runs in three overs.

Skipper Pandya later asserted that the duo’s chemistry and understanding with each other makes it a lot easier for him to handle the team.

“Honestly, there’s not much (conversation I have with them),” Pandya said during the post-match presentation.

“I let Rashid handle that business with Noor. They speak the same language and I think nobody is better than Rashid to communicate with Noor and tell him what’s good and what’s not. That’s something that has been fantastic,” the allrounder added.

“There’s not much I have to do. The...

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