NEW DELHI: As speculated since Sunday, all-rounder Hardik Pandya has bid adieu to Gujarat Titans and the franchise has named opener Shubman Gill as captain.
Gujarat Titans, who won the IPL title in their debut season in 2022 under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya, announced on Monday that the India all-rounder is leaving the franchise after two successful seasons with them.
In a press release, Gujarat Titans stated: "During his tenure with the team, Hardik showcased his prowess and has left an indelible mark on the franchise. Leading from the front alongside a seasoned coaching staff, players, management, he established and helped build the core values of the team."
The press release quotes Vikram Solanki, Director of Cricket, as saying, "As the first captain of Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya has helped the franchise deliver two fantastic seasons that resulted in winning one TATA IPL championship and one appearance in the final. He has now expressed a desire to return to his original team Mumbai Indians. We respect his decision and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours."
Ahead of IPL 2024, Gujarat Titans named Shubman Gill as captain to lead the team.
"It is interesting to see two IPL franchises battle over a player who is prone to injury and missed out most of the World Cup due to a slow-healing ankle injury. IPL franchises are privately-owned and free to do what they wish to do. But with the 2024 T20 World Cup just seven months away, the national selectors should start looking for pace bowling allrounders for Team India. Nobody was groomed as Pandya’s possible back-up for the 2023 ODI WC and it left a hole in the team composition.-TimesView"
Shubman Gill said on the announcement, "I am delighted and proud to assume the Captaincy of Gujarat Titans and thank the franchise for their trust in me to lead such a fine team. We have had two exceptional seasons and I keenly look forward to leading the team with our exciting brand of cricket."
Solanki further adds in the press release, "Shubman Gill has shown growth in stature and standing over the last two years at the highest level of the game. We've seen him mature not only as a batter but also as a leader in cricket. His contribution on the field has helped Gujarat Titans emerge as a formidable force, guiding the team through a successful campaign in 2022 and a strong run in 2023. His maturity and skill is evident in his on-field performance and we are extremely excited to embark on a new journey with a young leader like Shubman at the helm."
In a social media post Nita Ambani said, "We are thrilled to welcome Hardik back home! It’s a heartwarming reunion with our Mumbai Indians family! From being a young scouted talent of Mumbai Indians to now being a team India star, Hardik has come a long way and we’re excited for what the future holds for him and Mumbai Indians!"
Akash Ambani posted, "Seeing Hardik back at Mumbai Indians makes me very happy. It is a happy homecoming. He provides great balance to any team he plays. Hardik’s first stint with the MI family was hugely successful, and we hope he achieves even more success in his second stint."
