In the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 15), two new franchises - Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants - participated in the cash-rich tournament for the first time. Under Hardik Pandya's leadership and Ashish Nehra's astute coaching, the Gujarat-based franchise defeated all the experienced teams and emerged as champions in just their maiden season. In the upcoming season of the cash-rich tournament (IPL 2023), Hardik will shoulder the responsibility of rising to the weight of expectations once again.
The franchise's new recruit and one of the best contemporary cricketers, Kane Williamson was all praise for Hardik ahead of the cash-rich league.
"I’ve played against Hardik for a number of years. He is a world-class player. I played against him last year, he had an incredible season as a leader and as a player. So really excited to be playing under Hardik and great energy," Williamson said in a press conference.
Williamson, who was bought by Gujarat for a sum of Rs 2 crore in the auction, will add more experience to the defending champions' squad. The New Zealand superstar has a wealth of experience when it comes to leading a team while his ability with the bat is right up there with the best.
Williamson also heaped praise on the superstar in the making, Shubman Gill and spoke about the chances of the young Indian star becoming a captain in the future.
"You could see the quality that he has. I’m sure it’d be learning a lot from a number of leaders that he’s been able to play under for a few years. And, you know, seems like a fantastic guy, and he has a really great understanding of the game. So, you know, I suppose naturally, there might be leadership positions that might come this way. But we’ll have to see," Williamson said.
"To have those experiences that you need as a young, extremely talented player and really put it together on the international stage and endorsed obviously in the IPL as well like I say it was more of a matter of time and a very special place. He (Shubman Gill) is a big player for our team," the former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain added.
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