Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra opened up on Hardik Pandya’s decision to return to the Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League season. He expressed that the all-rounder’s decision shouldn’t come as a surprise as he has played for the Mumbai Indians for many years in the Indian Premier League.
Hardik Pandya led the Gujarat Titans in the last two seasons. They won their maiden title in 2022 and also made it to the finals in the last edition. Ahead of the 2024 season, the all-rounder expressed his desire to return to the Mumbai Indians, for whom he has played from 2015 to 2020. He has also won four IPL championships with the franchise. Before the 2024 IPL auctions, Hardik was traded to Mumbai Indians by the Gujarat Titans in an all-cash deal.
“Hardik Pandya has not gone back to a team that has caused a huge surprise. He played for that team for so many years, he showed his desire to go back there. Our management’s nature is such that, we think if a player wants to go there, right,” said Ashish Nehra,
“He should be happy and that’s why he has gone there again. Replacing someone like Hardik Pandya is difficult, but we tried our best,” he added.
Will be difficult to make up for Hardik Pandya: Ashish Nehra
Ashish Nehra further expressed that it will be difficult for them to make up for Hardik Pandya in the team. However, he added that they have had some good signings at the auction, and will be trying to use them effectively. Ashish Nehra said,
“Having the size of 25 members is a luxury. We got a great all-rounder like Omarzai, we also got Shahrukh Khan. But it will be difficult to make up for somebody like Hardik who has that much talent and that much experience. It is what it is. With the resources we have, we will try and do our best.”
Hardik Pandya has scored 2309 runs at an average of 30.38 in the Indian Premier League. He has a strike rate of 145.86 in the tournament. The all-rounder has also taken 53 wickets at an economy rate of 8.80.
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