Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya although had solely a few seasons with Gujarat Titans has had a big impact on them. He led the franchise to a trophy in 2022 and was a finalist in 2023 solely to lose to MS Dhoni’s Chennai Tremendous Kings in a rain-curtailed shut encounter. Earlier this 12 months the all-rounder returned to Mumbai Indians. Titans Head Coach Ashish Nehra would reveal that he “by no means tried” to persuade Hardik to remain on the franchise.
“I by no means tried to persuade Hardik Pandya to remain again. I might have stopped him had he been going to another group. [But] he performed for that group for 5 – 6 years.” Nehra was quoted by PTI. Pandya was one of many key gamers within the Mumbai Indians squad who helped the franchise win 4 trophies beneath Rohit Sharma earlier than transferring to Titans.
As he returned to the Mumbai, Hardik was handed over the captaincy. “I believe it was purely a cricketing choice. We noticed the window interval to get Hardik again as a participant. For me, it’s a transition part. Lots of people don’t perceive in India, individuals get fairly emotional However you understand you’re taking the feelings away from it.” Mumbai Head Coach Mark Boucher would purpose on the Smash Sports activities podcast.
Going the soccer method
Titans coach Nehra would additionally predict that the commerce of Hardik is indicative that the Indian Premier League is heading within the path of Soccer or basketball. “And the way in which this sport has been going alongside, individuals say that it’s heading within the path of soccer or basketball. So we are going to find yourself seeing these trades [in cricket too]. Sure, GT will miss Hardik Pandya. Finest needs [to him] from our aspect.” he would say.
Titans have named younger Shubman Gill because the captain for the upcoming season. The elegant right-hander was the highest scorer for the franchise final season as he amassed 890 runs from 17 innings at a strike charge of 157.80.