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Hardik Pandya Opens Up On His Feelings To Lead Gujarat Titans

Hardik Pandya opens up on his feelings to lead Gujarat Titans

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) becoming a 10-team affair from the upcoming season, one of the two new teams is from the state of Gujarat. The CVC-owned franchise will make its debut in the cash-rich league in 2022 and has named former Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Hardik Pandya as their skipper.

As the team name was revealed as 'Gujarat Titans' on Wednesday, the captain of the franchise spoke at length on the opportunity to represent his home state in the IPL.

"The name is great. It has an impact. And it represents the true Gujarati in us. It's a very proud moment. My family is also happy," Hardik said as quoted on Star Sports.

Hardik made his IPL debut for MI in 2015 under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. Hardik's 6-year stint with his former franchise includes 92 matches, 1476 runs and 42 wickets.

Speaking further, the 28-year-old added, "Obviously, before this, I played for Mumbai Indians. It will always be close to my heart. But to represent my home team and that too to lead the side is something very special. I am very happy."

Hardik played in the all-rounder's role for MI and India. But a back injury has forced him to play as a specialist batter in the recent past. As the cricketer is expected to be fully fit for IPL 2022, his performance will be seen with a microscope, considering India's desperate need of a multi-dimensional player.

Gujarat Titans picked three players namely Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill ahead of the mega-auction and currently have Rs 57 crore left in their purse.

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