'Direct Punch On Pandya's Face': Shubman Gill Takes Brutal Dig At Hardik Pandya With 'Loyalty' Message

Shubman Gill has replaced Hardik Pandya as the captain of Gujarat Titans ahead of the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise named the opener as their new captain after Hardik Pandya decided to return to Mumbai Indians.

Despite being made the captain and enjoying two highly successful seasons with the Gujarat-based outfit, the India allrounder forced a move to his former IPL side. Hardik Pandya was still a part of the Gujarat Titans camp with the retention deadline passed but eventually sealed a move to Mumbai Indians in an all-cash deal.

Hardik Pandya led Gujarat Titans to IPL title in 2022 which was the franchise’s first-ever season in the tournament. He was also the Player of the Match in the final against Rajasthan Royals. Earlier this year, the Titans made it to the final once again before losing to Chennai Super Kings.

In both the seasons, they also finished at the top of the points table in the league stage. As far as his performance as an allrounder is concerned, Hardik Pandya scored an impressive 833 runs in 30 innings, with an average of 41.65 and strike rate of 133.49 in addition to picking up 11 wickets.

A dig at Hardik Pandya?

Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians has surprised many. The fans have been accusing him of choosing money over loyalty and they believe that Shubman Gill has also questioned his India teammate’s loyalty. The newly-appointed Titans captain delivered a message to the fans for the first time since being made the captain and stated that loyalty is one of the traits of a leader.

“I think it’s gonna take, like, probably till the time we don’t play the first match. It’s not gonna quite sink in. It’s a great feeling.”

“We all know captainship comes with a lot of things, and commitment is one of them. Discipline is one of them. Hard work is one of them. Loyalty is one of them,” the 24-year-old told the Gujarat Titans’ social media account.

Here are some of the reactions from the fans:

SHUBMAN GILL GOT NO CHILL!!!

by saying LOYALTY destroyed 2 houses. pic.twitter.com/uPwA6DShe1

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsCult) November 29, 2023

No Hardik was harmed in this video ? https://t.co/MDXHV3f4bN pic.twitter.com/rjWlhZBEcF

— Rohan ? | Dotvid Hatebot (@Rohantweetss) November 29, 2023

That “Loyalty matters to me”. was a direct punch on pandya’s face https://t.co/kKZuM4A73Z

— Ansh Shah (@asmemesss) November 29, 2023

Bruhh ??

Everyone is taking a dig at India's best faster allrounder. https://t.co/RCmaPhJ2zx pic.twitter.com/LuKhuXcGn4

— Naviyo (@whocaresnavi) November 29, 2023