Debutants in the 15th edition of the cash-rich league, Ashish Nehra-coached Gujarat Titans have assembled a star-studded squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 at the mega auction. For the unversed, the newly formed Ahmedabad-based franchise will be led by star all-rounder – Hardik Pandya. The swashbuckling batter and speed merchant was roped in as the captain of the franchise in the build-up to the mega auction.   

South Africa’s batting icon Gary Kirsten was appointed as the batting coach and mentor of the Ahmedabad franchise prior to the auction. While Englishman Vikram Solanki is the Director of Cricket, former Indian pacer Nehra is the head coach of the Gujarat Titans franchise for IPL 2022. Under the leadership of coach Nehra, Ahmedabad’s local hero Pandya will hope to regain his form in his debut IPL season as captain of a franchise. 

Pandya’s critics had questioned his selection for the T20 World Cup 2021 as the star all-rounder didn’t bowl a single over for the Virat Kohli-led side. Pandya’s inability to bowl or take up the all-rounder’s role has also delayed his return to the national side after a forgetful T20 World Cup last year. Speaking about Gujarat’s captain after the mega auction, coach Nehra said that the Ahmedabad franchise is more than happy to have Hardik as a pure batsman. 

“If he bowls, it’s great. But to be very honest, we are more than happy to have Hardik Pandya as a pure batsman. I don’t see any T20 team in the world, not talking just about the IPL, where Hardik doesn’t fit as a batsman. Whatever number he bats, be it 4 or 5 or 6,” Nehra told India Today. 

Nehra’s remarks have come after the Titans secured landmark deals for all-rounders Rahul Tewatia, Jayant Yadav and Vijay Shankar at the mega auction. “Yes, there is always speculation around his bowling. If he can bowl for Gujarat Titans, that will be great. But yes, if he is only batting fit, I will be happy with Hardik Pandya,” Nehra added.