The flamboyant Indian all-rounder, Hardik Pandya will be leading the new Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Gujarat Titans in the 15th edition of the tournament. IPL 2022 is scheduled to be commencing on March 26. The franchise had signed Pandya for a staggering INR 15 crore at the pre-auction draft as he wasn’t retained by the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians (MI).
It is to be noted that the 28-year-old has been featuring purely as a specialist middle-order batter ever since he underwent lower back surgery in October 2019. In fact, he went on an indefinite break from the sport after the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 to rediscover his rhythm with the ball in hand.
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Lately, Hardik Pandya was asked whether the fans will be seeing him bowl during the upcoming IPL 2022 to which he came up with a quirky reply. During the media interaction after the Gujarat Titans had unveiled their official jersey on March 13 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, a reporter had asked Pandya whether he will be bowling in the upcoming IPL season, to which, Hardik replied, “Sir surprise hain woh. Surprise ko surprise rehne do (let it be asurpise).”
https://twitter.com/SportsHustle3/status/1503023608251232265?s=20&t=wOoQcgW-KQw_TNAzp1lz6Q
Here is how the fans reacted to Hardik’s reply:
https://twitter.com/Ungenius_Indian/status/1503073514663817220?s=20&t=MGSKijXT03VsP16YXcYY3w
You aren’t Mitchell Starc bro
We don’t get any orgasm by watching u bowl— praneeth? (@EthanHUNT_41) March 13, 2022
What is the surprise ??? It's obviously yes or no … Everyone knows that he knows how to ball
So , what is the surprise ??— Mrityunjay (@itsmrityunjay) March 13, 2022
Meanwhile, the franchise has also found a replacement for the explosive opener Jason Roy who withdrew from the tournament in order to spend time with his family. Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has replaced the 2019 World Cup winner. The Titans look a quality side on paper having invested enough on batters, bowlers, and good all-rounders and they would be hoping to have a memorable outing this time around.
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Hardik Pandya was one of the core parts of the Mumbai Indians’ set-up. He helped the team add a great value to the batting, bowling and fielding department. But now, he is not in the team for obvious reasons. Had it not been for Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya wouldn’t have played for India at the highest level. Many fans felt it was rude that Hardik unfollowed MI franchise. For the unversed, Hardik Pandya also unfollowed Rohit Sharma on Instagram.
https://twitter.com/sumitg24_/status/1503301772890148868?s=20&t=_-OYxLfOqjg2EVx460Dx-g
https://twitter.com/SportsHarsh_/status/1503315134982197254?s=20&t=frr8af77gO-Y4PX0LIrvjQ
Never liked him tbh, heard somewhere that he told GT to not buy Raina as replacement for Roy because he didn't want any competition for Captaincy
— Camlin (@SundarHive) March 14, 2022
