'Gujarat Titans better without Hardik Pandya' - Brad Hogg unleashes sensational verdict

Former Australia National Cricket Team spinner Brad Hogg has made a sensational statement ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, saying that the absence of Hardik Pandya would not hurt the one-time IPL champions Gujarat Titans (GT).

Ahead of the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League, the biggest trade deal in the history of the competition took place as the Gujarat Titans (GT) traded their IPL-winning captain Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians (MI).

The trade deal came as a huge shock to the cricket world as Hardik was the active captain of the franchise and he had two exceptionally good seasons with the Gujarat Titans (GT) since joining the team in 2022.

In his maiden stint as captain in IPL, Hardik steered GT to the title win in 2022 before taking them to the final in the 2023 season. After releasing Hardik, the Ahmedabad-based franchise has decided to hand over the leadership to the star batsman Shubman Gill.

Meanwhile, the return to Mumbai Indians (MI) is a grand homecoming for Hardik Pandya as he started off his IPL career with the franchise and performed well for them, which also opened the doors for his selection in the India National Cricket Team.

I don’t think Hardik Pandya is that big a loss really – Brad Hogg

In a video shared on his official YouTube channel, Brad Hogg talked about the Gujarat Titans (GT) letting go of Hardik Pandya. He opined that the absence of the all-rounder will not have any major impact on the franchise and even went on to claim that GT are a better unit without Hardik. He said:

“I don’t think Hardik Pandya is that big a loss really (for GT). Yes he is a quality All-rounder in the middle order, but they can cover it. They have got really good bowling depth there. He was batting in the top order but I don’t think he was best suited there so Gujarat Titans are better off without him.”

After roping in Hardik, the Mumbai Indians (MI) have appointed him as the new captain, replacing the joint-most successful skipper in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history – Rohit Sharma. The decision came as a major shock to the fans, who slammed the franchise for disrespecting a champion captain like Rohit, who brought all the success to the franchise.

Meanwhile, Brad Hogg further stated Hardik is better suited for the finisher’s role and he gets the opportunity to perform that at MI, unlike GT where he used to bat in the top and middle order. The former Australia cricketer opined that the best of Hardik the finisher will be seen in IPL 2024. He stated:

“Mumbai are better off having an Indian all-rounder batting in the lower middle order and I think that’s where Hardik will bat. I think we will see Hardik back at his best with Mumbai Indians.”

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is set to start on March 22 with the clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Chepauk. Hardik and his troops will be seen in action on March 24 when they take on Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.