IPL 2023: Will Hardik Pandya’s fearless attitude bring Gujarat Titans laurels again? – The Indian Express

Gujarat Titans, one of the newest teams to join the Indian Premier League (IPL), was formed in 2021 when the league expanded to ten teams. By winning a title in the first season, the franchise has already shown immense promise and potential to become a formidable force in the coming years.
One of the key strengths of the Gujarat Titans was their on-point strategy during player acquisitions in the mega auctions, where they picked some big names in international and domestic cricket and thus created a healthy mix of young and experienced professionals.
While the likes of Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, and Shubman Gill formed a solid backbone for the team, young talents like Raj Bawa and Abhinav Manohar have shown immense promise. The experienced Gary Kirsten leads the coaching staff and is present as a guiding light for budding cricketers.
Another crucial factor contributing to the team’s success is the home advantage. The newly-built stadium in Ahmedabad, with a seating capacity of 1,32,000 spectators, is the world’s largest cricket stadium. The electric atmosphere and the passionate support from the home crowd can significantly boost the team’s morale.
As a new franchise, the Titans need to gain the experience of playing together as a cohesive unit, or else it might impact their overall performance. However, the team’s performance might need to be more consistent sometimes, with a few key players being injury-prone, potentially affecting the team’s balance.
This is where Hardik Pandya’s appointment as the Gujarat Titans captain makes the difference. As a dynamic all-rounder, he brings a fearless attitude that tends to rub off on his team and brings a winning mentality.
One of the critical attributes of Pandya’s captaincy is his adaptability. He makes quick decisions and alters strategies based on the match situation. This tactical acumen allows the Titans to stay ahead of their opponents and respond effectively to changing circumstances.
Furthermore, his experience playing under different captains in the IPL and the Indian cricket team has honed his leadership skills, providing valuable insights into effective team management.
Under Pandya’s captaincy, the Gujarat Titans have displayed a fearless brand of cricket, often characterised by aggressive batting and relentless bowling. This approach has brought success on the field and helped build a unique identity for the team.
GT Predicted XI for IPL 2023: Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (w/k), Kane Williamson, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Shami, Yash Dayal, Joshua Little
IPL 2023: GT Full Squad
Hardik Pandya (c), Shubman Gill, David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Sai Sudharsan, Wriddhiman Saha, Matthew Wade, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Mohammed Shami, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Pradeep Sangwan, Darshan Nalkande, Jayant Yadav, R Sai Kishore, Noor Ahmad, Kane Williamson, Odean Smith, KS Bharat, Shivam Mavi, Urvil Patel, Joshua Little, Mohit Sharma.

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