Former Indian cricketer and renowned cricket analyst, Aakash Chopra, recently expressed his views on the impact of Hardik Pandya’s absence on the performance of the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
Aakash Chopra highlights Hardik Pandya’s presence at Gujarat Titans
Hardik Pandya, who led the Gujarat Titans to the title in their maiden appearance in 2022, was traded to Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2024. This move was met with widespread criticism, considering Pandya’s significant contributions to the Titans’ success. Under Pandya’s leadership, Mumbai Indians have had a mixed performance, with two wins and four losses in their first six matches.
Chopra opined that while Mumbai Indians may not have fully utilized Pandya’s skills, his absence in GT has been detrimental to the team. He highlighted this issue following GT’s loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 17, Wednesday. DC secured their third win of the season by defeating GT by 6 wickets.
The Gujarat Titans, who had finished in the top position in their previous editions, found themselves reeling in the bottom half of the table. Especially after a humbling loss against DC, which also jolted their net-run-rate massively. GT were bundled out for a paltry score of 89 against DC and registered their lowest-ever total in the history of the league.
Chopra took to social media to reflect on GT’s loss and mentioned how Mumbai Indians may not have benefitted from Hardik’s presence yet, but his absence from GT has hurt the franchise. He tweeted, “Hardik Pandya’s presence might not have benefited Mumbai Indians yet…but his absence is definitely hurting Gujarat Titans this season!!!”
Unpopular Opinion
Hardik Pandya’s presence might not have benefited Mumbai Indians yet…but his absence is definitely hurting Gujarat Titans this season!!! #IPL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 17, 2024
The void left by Hardik’s absence is evident in the Titans’ performance. Despite winning the IPL title in 2022 and finishing as runners-up last year, GT’s performance has suffered this season without Pandya’s contributions. The team is struggling to fill the void left by Hardik’s absence.
Also Read: CSK NAMES RICHARD GLEESON AS REPLACEMENT FOR INJURED DEVON CONWAY
