The Gujarat Titans emerged victorious in TATA IPL 2022 with skipper Hardik Pandya leading by example. Pandya finished as the leading run-scorer last season for the Titans with 487 runs to his credit, while also picking up crucial wickets with the ball. However, it was his leadership on and off the field that earned him the most plaudits. 

Ahead of TATA IPL 2023, Vikram Solanki, the Director of Cricket for Gujarat Titans, was full of praise for the all-rounder, who also went on to lead the Indian team in T20Is and ODIs.  

“Last year, Hardik took captaincy very naturally. It was very apparent that he was a deep thinker of the game,” Solanki said while addressing the press on Thursday. 

“His personality plays through with the way he plays on the field, he leads that way as well, with a great deal of positivity and energy. That shows great maturity on his part. He is now more experienced, he led us well last year and also had the opportunity to lead India. It adds to his credentials and makes him more valuable to us.”

Solanki was also full of praise for our in-form youngster Shubman Gill, who is off to a sensational start in 2023, scoring centuries across all formats for the Men in Blue. 

“What a wonderful talent Shubman is and I know everyone in Indian cricket is excited about him. He is an exquisite batter and we hope he continues to grow with us. It is brilliant to see him play the way he has for India recently, it is very encouraging for us ahead of this competition,” the Director of Cricket said.  

The Gujarat Titans played only one match at the Narendra Modi Stadium last season, and our #TitansFAM turned up in record numbers to cheer our side past the finish line. Solanki revealed that the team is really excited to play in front of the home fans one again.  

“What a great game to start for us tomorrow against Chennai. We are really looking forward to that. We are hoping that we will be handsomely supported in our home games. Last season, we played that final match here and to play in front of our home fans is something we are looking forward to,” Solanki explained. 

Gujarat Titans will face Chennai Super Kings in the opening match of TATA IPL 2023 on March 31.