In a strategic move ahead of IPL 2024, the Mumbai Indians franchise orchestrated a blockbuster trade, sending Hardik Pandya to Gujarat Titans in an all-cash deal. With Pandya’s departure, Shubman Gill steps into the captain’s role for Gujarat Titans, a decision acknowledged as challenging by coach Ashish Nehra.
Nehra, in a virtual press conference post the IPL 2023 mini-auction in Dubai, expressed the difficulty of replacing Pandya, a dynamic player whose talent and experience played a pivotal role in guiding Gujarat Titans to IPL glory in their debut season.
“To replace a player like Hardik Pandya is difficult considering his talent and experience. We have seen how he (Gill) has shaped up in the past three-four years. He is 24-25 years of age but he has a good head on his shoulders,” commented Nehra.
Gill, the former world No.1 batter, had a remarkable season with Gujarat Titans, emerging as the leading run-scorer in the previous edition. The 24-year-old cricketer, known for his maturity and batting prowess, now shoulders the responsibility of leading the team.
Explaining the choice of Gill as Pandya’s successor, Nehra highlighted the faith the team has in Gill’s abilities. Gill, who was signed by Gujarat Titans in 2022 after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders, secured the Orange Cap in his debut season with an impressive tally of 483 runs in 16 matches.
“We believe in him. That is why we made him captain. I am not someone who will always go by results. Yes, results are important, but when you come to captaincy, you have to look at other things also. We are confident that Gill is the right person for captaincy,” Nehra added.
The leadership transition marks a significant phase for Gujarat Titans, who aim to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming IPL season under Shubman Gill’s captaincy.
