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Hardik Pandya's departure from Gujarat Titans (GT) won't impact their performance in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, believes Australia legend Brad Hogg. With Pandya uniting with his former franchise and five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) there has been much speculation about how Titans will fare in the seventeenth season of the IPL . Following Pandya's exit, Shubman Gill has been named the new captain of the GT.
The money involved in Pandya's move to MI during the trading window left the cricketing world surprised. Nevertheless, Hogg is confident that the Titans have players who are capable of rising to the occasion in the absence of Pandya.
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Gujarat Titans are better of without Hardik: Brad Hogg
"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 shared his thoughts on his YouTube channel.
Shortly after confirming his return to MI, Paltans declared that Pandya will replace Rohit Sharma as team's new captain. However, the news came across as a shocker for fans and cricket pundits while lauded the transition. Notably, Rohit was the captain behind MI's huge success in IPL. Hogg delved deeper, stating that Pandya's playing style is more aligned with MI's approach than GT's.
Pandya's stint with Gujarat Titans
Pandya was part of the GT roster following the 2022 mega auction and experienced two exceptionally fruitful IPL seasons with the team, leading them to title triumph in their very first year and securing a second-place finish after the Chennai Super Kings in 2023. In his debut season with GT, Pandya made a significant impact, scoring 487 runs and claiming 8 wickets over 15 matches in 2022. However, his performance slightly tapered off the following year, with Pandya amassing 346 runs and taking three wickets in 2023.
"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," Hogg concluded.
Notably, Hardik-led MI will play their first IPL 2024's match against Shubman Gill's GT on March 24.
Mumbai Indians' IPL 2024 schedule for first 21 matches:
MI vs Gujarat Titans vs - March 24 - Ahmedabad - 7:30 PM IST
MI vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - March 27 - Hyderabad - 7:30 PM IST
MI vs Rajasthan Royals - April 1 - Mumbai - 7:30 PM IST
MI vs Delhi Capitals - April 7 - Mumbai - 3:30 PM IST
Gujarat Titans' IPL 2024 schedule for first 21 matches:
GT vs Mumbai Indians - March 24 - Ahmedabad - 7:30 PM IST
GT vs Chennai Super Kings - March 26 - Chennai - 7:30 PM IST
GT vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - March 31 - Ahmedabad - 3:30 PM IST
GT vs Punjab Kings - April 4 - Ahmedabad - 7:30 PM IST
GT vs Lucknow Super Giants - April 7 - Lucknow -7:30 PM IST
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