Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya mentioned he cannot wait to start working with head coach Ashish Nehra within the Indian Premier League 2022 season, saying the previous quick bowler will assist have a light-weight environment within the dressing room.
Gujarat Titans, one of many two new franchises for the IPL 2022 season, unveiled their jersey on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Hardik, who was drafted for Rs 15 crore, will lead the staff whereas Nehra has been appointed as the pinnacle coach.
Nehra has beforehand labored with the assist employees at Royal Challengers Bangalore however he takes up the pinnacle coach position for the primary time within the IPL.
“He’s the funniest guy one can come across. He will never give you the coach vibe. It was very clear with Nehraji that let all the players decide what they want to do and give them freedom. You make mistakes but eventually, you learn. I’m very excited to spend time with him,” Hardik advised reporters after the jersey launch.
Hardik, who’s all set to guide an IPL franchise for the primary time, make clear what can be his mantra heading into the brand new season, including that man-management will likely be key in a high-pressure event just like the IPL.
“Success is theirs, failure is mine. Our role will be to make sure the players are comfortable in whatever capacity we can help them out. Clarity, honesty has to be there,” he mentioned.
“In good times they don’t need any of us. But the season will test you, there will be difficult times and that’s when we will be there to support them,” he added.
‘IT’S A SURPRISE’
The Gujarat Titans squad additionally contains India opener Shubman Gill, Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan, Australia’s Matthew Wade, senior India pacer Mohammad Shami and New Zealand fast Lockie Ferguson.
However, fit-again Hardik Pandya, who has not performed aggressive cricket for the reason that T20 World Cup in 2021, remained tight-lipped about whether or not he would be capable to bowl for the Titans. Hardik has not been capable of bowl recurrently for his earlier franchise and India as a result of recurring again harm points.
Asked whether or not he would bowl once more, Hardik mentioned it could be a shock.
“Sir, it would be a surprise, so let it be a surprise,” he mentioned.
Gujarat Titans will start their IPL 2022 marketing campaign in opposition to Lucknow Super Giants on March 28.