Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg reckons Gujarat Titans won’t miss the services of Hardik Pandya. The former GT skipper returned to Mumbai Indians in an all-cash trade deal.
After his move, the franchise revealed that Pandya would replace Rohit as the team’s leader. Rohit led Mumbai Indians to five titles in the IPL, which is the joint-most along with MS Dhoni.
Meanwhile, Pandya led Gujarat Titans to glory in IPL 2022 and also led the franchise to the final in the previous season but they could not cross the last hurdle against Chennai Super Kings. Pandya will return to action after recovering from an ankle injury, which he suffered in the ODI World Cup.
Shubman Gill will now lead Gujarat Titans in the forthcoming season of the IPL.
“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,” Hogg said in his recent YouTube video.
Hogg reckons the best batting position for Hardik Pandya will be in the lower middle order and he will be back at his best for Mumbai Indians.
“Mumbai is 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,” Hogg added.
GT will also be without the services of Mohammad Shami, who has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
Gujarat Titans will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Mumbai Indians at their home ground of Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on March 24.
