Renowned Australian spinner Brad Hogg has weighed in on Hardik Pandya’s departure from the Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2024, expressing his belief that it won’t significantly impact the team’s performance. Hardik, who led the Titans to their maiden IPL title in 2022 and steered them to the runners-up position in 2023, was traded to Mumbai Indians in a notable move.

In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Hogg shared his perspective, suggesting that while Hardik is undoubtedly a quality all-rounder, the Titans have sufficient depth to compensate for his absence.

“I don’t think Hardik Pandya is that big a loss really (for GT). Yes, he is a quality all-rounder in the middle order, but they can cover it. They have got really good bowling depth there. He was batting in the top order, but I don’t think he was best suited there, so Gujarat Titans are better off without him,” Brad Hogg remarked.

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Brad Hogg also emphasized that Hardik’s presence could be a significant asset for Mumbai Indians, especially in the lower middle order.

“Mumbai are better off having an Indian all-rounder batting in the lower middle order and I think that’s where Hardik will bat. I think we will see Hardik back at his best with Mumbai Indians,” he added.

Hardik Pandya has already joined the Mumbai Indians squad for IPL 2024, with the tournament set to commence on March 22. The inaugural match will see defending champions Chennai Super Kings facing off against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

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A video shared by the Mumbai Indians’ official social media handle captured Hardik’s arrival at the team’s dressing room, where he participated in a traditional pooja alongside head coach Mark Boucher. Notably, Hardik is slated to lead Mumbai Indians, succeeding Rohit Sharma as the team’s captain.