IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya Pleased To Work With Ashish Nehra At Gujarat Titans

Hardik Pandya, the captain of the Gujarat Titans, said he is excited to work with head coach Ashish Nehra, saying the former bowler will allow the players flexibility in high-pressure circumstances.

On Sunday, the Gujarat Titans, one of two new teams for the IPL 2022 season, presented their outfit at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Hardik, who’d been recruited for Rs 15 crore, will be the team’s leader, whereas Nehra will be the head coach.

Nehra held positions with support staff with Royal Challengers Bangalore, and this is his first time as a head coach in the IPL.

“He’s the funniest guy one can come across. He will never give you the coach vibe. It was very clear with Nehraji that let all the players decide what they want to do and give them freedom. You make mistakes but eventually, you learn. I’m very excited to spend time with him,” Hardik told reporters after the jersey launch.

Hardik, who is all set to lead an IPL franchise for the first time, shed light on what would be his mantra heading into the new season, adding that man-management will be key in a high-pressure tournament like the IPL.

Hardik Pandya stated that his team is ready for the IPL:

India opener Shubman Gill, Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan, Australia’s Matthew Wade, veteran India bowler Mohammad Shami, and New Zealand fast Lockie Ferguson are also part of the Gujarat Titans team.

Hardik Pandya, who hasn’t played professional cricket since T20 World Cup in 2021, has remained tight-lipped on whether he’ll be fit enough to play for the Titans now that he’s fit. Due to chronic back injury concerns, Hardik was unable to bowl frequently for his previous organization and India.

When asked if he would bowl again, Hardik replied that he would be surprised.

“Sir, that would be a surprise,” he said, “so let it be a surprise.”

On March 28, the Gujarat Titans will kick off their IPL 2022 campaign against the Lucknow Super Giants.

Gujarat Titans Squad: Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami, Jason Roy, Lockie Ferguson, Abhinav Sadarangani, Rahul Tewatia, Noor Ahmed, Sai Kishore, Vijay Shankar, Jayant Yadav, Dominic Drakes, Darshan Nalkande, Yash Dayal, Alzarri Joseph, Pradeep Sangwan, David Miller, Wriddhiman Saha, Matthew Wade, Varun Aaron, B Sai Sudharshan.

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