The newly-added Ahmedabad franchise has been named ‘Gujarat Titans’ ahead of IPL 2022. The captain of the team Hardik Pandya has reacted to the name and said that he believes the name reflects the mentality of his team.

“It is a pretty amazing feeling to be honest, Loved the name. Shows our character,” Hardik said during an interaction with Star Sports.

It will be an emotional moment for Hardik Pandya, who hails from Baroda in Gujarat, to be the captain of his home team.

“It means a lot to me. When I see the happiness, you know my family; they stay in Gujarat and the kind of pride I see in their eyes, that means a lot. Great opportunity for me as well. This is going to be a learning curve for me,” Hardik said.

🔊 Here's more about our name, before you 'Remember The Name'! 😊 #GujaratTitans pic.twitter.com/UA1KcjT1Hr

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) February 9, 2022

Earlier, Ahmedabad had signed Hardik Pandya (Rs 15 crore), Rashid Khan (Rs 15 crore), and Shubman Gill (Rs 8 crore) as their three draft picks ahead of the auctions.

Vikram Solanki will be Ahmedabad’s Director of Cricket, Ashish Nehra head coach and Gary Kirsten will serve as the team’s batting coach and mentor. On the 12th and 13th of February, the IPL 2022 Mega Auction will be held in Bengaluru.

Hardik can pick me up from the auction – Krunal Pandya

When Hardik Pandya’s elder brother Krunal, was asked whether he would like to join Gujarat Titans this year, he responded that his brother can buy him in the auction if he wants to. However, the all-rounder added that he would be pleased to play for any IPL side that picks him.

“I don’t know if he (Hardik Pandya) wants me, he can pick me from the auction or I am happy to go anywhere where I can,” Krunal said in a chat with ESPNCricinfo.

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