A cherry on top of the cake was the presence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who was part of four winning seasons with the perennial title holders.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/ravi-ashwin-hardik-pandya-prospective-move-to-mumbai-indians-9042471/

All-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to lead the Indian team in the three T20Is that will be played on August 18, 20 and 23 in Malahide.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/team-india-to-tour-ireland-for-3-t20is-in-august-hardik-pandya-likely-to-lead-in-absence-of-seniors

Amidst the Suryakumar show, Hardik was quick in appreciating Rahul Tripathi, who unleashed an early counter-attack with his 35 off just 16 balls, slamming five fours and two sixes, ensuring India were 53/2 at the end of power-play.

Source: https://www.canindia.com/suryas-shots-way-of-changing-the-game-actually-breaks-morale-of-bowler-hardik-pandya/

For skipper Hardik Pandya, life is good when Suryakumar clicks.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/suryakumar-the-jewel-in-the-crown-of-indias-white-ball-warriors/article66352883.ece

Gujarat are being led by Hardik Pandya while his elder brother Krunal will now be leading Lucknow as regular captain KL Rahul has been ruled out of the competition due to a right thigh tendon injury.

Source: https://www.canindia.com/ipl-2023-rohit-should-take-a-break-for-the-time-being-and-keep-himself-fit-for-the-wtc-final-says-gavaskar/

Gujarat Titans’ captain Hardik Pandya leaves the field during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad, India on March 31, 2023.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/ipl-2023-impact-player-rule-makes-captains-job-tough-hardik-pandya/article66687102.ece

Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra said Hardik Pandya's elevation to captaincy has raised eyebrows, but he always had the faith in the all-rounder.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/ipl/i-told-him-over-the-phone-ashish-nehra-reveals-how-gujarat-titans-appointed-hardik-pandya-as-captain-8543433/

Hardik admitted to thinking Gujarat were out of the game for a large period till he thought they could eke out a win only when the last four overs were left.

Source: https://www.canindia.com/ipl-2023-mohit-sharma-made-my-life-easy-with-his-plans-and-execution-says-hardik-pandya/

Hardik brought out a front foot drive against Dhananjaya de Silva, the sixth bowling option and then flicked off Karunaratne for another four.

Source: https://easternmirrornagaland.com/2nd-odi-calm-rahul-takes-india-to-hard-fought-win-over-sri-lanka-after-kuldeep-siraj-shine/

Hardik had scored a brilliant goal from a solo effort against Spain in the opening match.

Source: https://www.orissapost.com/overdependence-on-harmanpreet-hardiks-injury-cost-india-dear-in-disastrous-wc-campaign/

Hardik has blown hot and cold this season so far.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/kkr-vs-gt-live-score-ipl-2023-kolkata-knight-riders-vs-gujarat-titans-match-today-latest-scorecard-updates-8582409/

Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan in the middle made a vital partnership.

Source: https://southasiandaily.com/asia-cup-2023-against-nepal-india-aim-to-solve-top-order-problems-ahead-of-super-4/

Hardik Pandya calls it right, Gujarat opt to bowl first.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/royal-challengers-bangalore-vs-gujarat-titans-live-score-ipl-2023-rcb-vs-gt-match-latest-scorecard-updates-m-chinnaswamy-stadium-8620770/

Hardik Pandya missed the game as he is unwell and in his place Rashid led GT.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/photos/sports-gallery/ipl-2023-sensational-rinku-seals-famous-win-for-kkr-over-gt-8547320/

Hardik Pandya ruled out of ICC World Cup 2023 clash.

Source: https://thefrontierpost.com/martin-tops-opening-practice-at-phillip-island/

Hardik Pandya slams West Indies cricket board for not making ‘basic arrangements’ for…

Source: https://pragativadi.com/ashes-2023-test-series-icc-penalises-australia-england-heres-why/

Hardik praised the stadium by calling it “one of the nicest” venues but the all-rounder was quick to switch to highlighting the shortcomings of the West Indies Cricket Board during India’s tour.

Source: https://pragativadi.com/hardik-pandya-slams-west-indies-cricket-board-for-not-making-basic-arrangements-for-team-india/

He was on the verge of completing his second half-century of the season in three matches but Hardik Pandya finished things off with a six with Varma unbeaten on 49.

Source: https://pragativadi.com/suryakumars-shining-play-powers-india-to-7-wicket-victory-over-west-indies/

Hockey India also informed that Hardik will be replaced by alternate player Raj Kumar Pal.

Source: https://www.canindia.com/hockey-world-cup-india-pull-out-injured-hardik-singh-ahead-of-crucial-crossover-match/

Indian skipper Hardik Pandya with vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav during the third T20I against Sri Lanka.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/he-is-just-telling-us-that-batting-is-so-easy-hardik-on-surya-8368364/