IPL 2024: Who Will Replace Hardik Pandya At Gujarat Titans? Irfan Pathan Reveals Shocking Candidate

Former India pacer Irfan Pathan has suggested the name of an allrounder who could be an ideal replacement for Hardik Pandya in the Gujarat Titans squad. The Gujarat-based outfit will have their task cut out in the upcoming IPL auction as they look to find a replacement for their former captain.

Last month, Hardik Pandya sealed a sensational transfer to Mumbai Indians. The India allrounder led the franchise in the last two seasons and enjoyed two highly successful seasons with them. In 2022 when Gujarat Titans were playing their first-ever IPL season, Hardik Pandya led them to the title. And earlier this year, they finished runners-up under the star allrounder’s captaincy.

In those two years, he scored more than 800 runs and picked up 11 wickets. Hardik Pandya is one of the leading all-rounders in the world and replacing him won’t be an easy task for any team. While Gujarat Titans have already announced Shubman Gill as their new captain, it will be interesting to see their replacement for their former captain.

Irfan Pathan suggests a replacement for Hardik Pandya:

While only time will tell who replaces Hardik Pandya in the Gujarat Titans squad, Irfan Pathan has said Afghanistan star Azmatullah Omarzai could be a good replacement.  While previewing the auction on Star Sports, Irfan Pathan was asked about the players the Gujarat Titans could look to acquire. In reply, the T20 World Cup-winning former cricketer said:

“Looking at the Gujarat Titans, they are missing out on Hardik Pandya. Obviously, they are missing out on a leader and a guy who can actually do both (bat and ball) equally really well. Who is there at the auction table?”

“I see Azmatullah Omarzai going to Gujarat Titans because he is a perfect fit. We have Rashid Khan there as well, who can actually get the best out of his countryman. Apart from an all-rounder, they require a proper fast bowler there. They need to go for that extra pace and they have a good purse available,” he added.

Azmatullah Omarzai recently impressed in the World Cup held in India. His performance had caught the attention of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar too. With the bat, the Afghan allrounder scored 353 runs with the help of 3 half-centuries and picked up 7 wickets.

Looking at Azmatullah’s wrist position, which I feel is very good, reminded me of @praveenkumar and @BhuviOfficial.
It allows him to swing the ball both ways and in such conditions it could prove to be useful.@ACBofficials#ENGvAFG

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 15, 2023