Hardik Pandya, who is returning to the Mumbai Indians via trade, will be replaced as captain of the Gujarat Titans by Shubman Gill. Gill, who was awarded the Orange Cap recently, will take over as team captain following Hardik’s productive two seasons, during which the Gujarat Titans won the 2022 Indian Premier League and finished second in 2023.
Over the past two years, Shubman Gill has not only developed as a batsman but has also showcased leadership qualities on the cricket field. His notable contributions have played a crucial role in the Gujarat Titans’ success in the 2022 season and a strong performance in 2023. Vikram Solanki, the Director of Cricket for the Gujarat Titans, expressed excitement about having Gill as the new captain, highlighting his maturity and skills.
🚨 CAPTAIN GILL reporting!
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) November 27, 2023
𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐥 is ready to lead the Titans in the upcoming season with grit and exuberance 👊
Wishing you only the best for this new innings! 🤩#AavaDe pic.twitter.com/PrYlgNBtNU
Hardik Pandya, as the inaugural captain of the Gujarat Titans, led the franchise to two impressive seasons, clinching an IPL championship and reaching the final. However, he has decided to return to his original team, the Mumbai Indians. The franchise respects his decision and wishes him success in his future endeavors.
This brings back so many wonderful memories. Mumbai. Wankhede. Paltan. Feels good to be back. 💙 #OneFamily @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/o4zTC5EPAC
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) November 27, 2023
Shubman Gill, with 890 runs at an average of 59.33 from 17 matches, was the top scorer in the last IPL. With an outstanding record in 2023, Gill emerged as the obvious choice for the captaincy. Although there were considerations for players like Kane Williamson, the franchise believed that Gill, the future face of Indian cricket and a budding leader, was the ideal choice.
Expressing his delight and pride at assuming the captaincy, Gill thanked the franchise for their trust in him. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya’s return to the Mumbai Indians marks a homecoming, reuniting with familiar faces like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and the entire team. Hardik, who initially rose to prominence with MI, played a pivotal role in their four IPL triumphs from 2015 to 2021.
Nita Ambani expressed excitement about welcoming Hardik back to the Mumbai Indians family, acknowledging his journey from a young talent scouted by MI to becoming a star player for Team India. The reunion with the Mumbai Indians is seen as a heartwarming moment, and the franchise looks forward to the future with Hardik on board.
