Dashing India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has given his impression on the name of the new IPL franchise that he will captain – Gujarat Titans. The franchise was bought by CVC Capital Partners (Irelia Company Pte Ltd) last year along with the RP Sanjiv Goenka owned Lucknow Super Giants.
Hardik Pandya will be leading for the first time in the IPL after he was released by Mumbai Indians ending their 7-year association. Ahead of the IPL mega-auction on the weekend, the franchise announced their name – Gujarat Titans – on Wednesday.
Pandya, who hasn’t played any high-level cricket since the T20 World Cup and has been working on his fitness, was also present at the name unveiling.
Giving his opinion on the name, the Baroda all-rounder reflected immense happiness and pride in leading his state franchise in the IPL. He asserted that while will always have a special place in his heart for Mumbai Indians, captaining Gujarat will be “very special” for the 28-year-old.
“The name is great. It has an impact. And it represents the true Gujarati in us. It’s a very proud moment. My family is also happy,” Hardik told Star Sports.
“Obviously, before this, I played for Mumbai Indians. It will always be close to my heart. But to represent my home team and that too to lead the side is something very special. I am very happy.”
Apart from Hardik, the Titans have picked Rashid Khan, arguably the world’s best T20 spinner, and young opener Shubman Gill ahead of the mega-auction. They have also roped in Ashish Nehra (head coach), Gary Kirsten (mentor and batting coach) and Vikram Solanki (director of cricket) in the backroom staff.
Explaining the reason behind naming the franchise as ‘Titans’, Siddharth Patel, a partner at CVC, said: “We want this group to achieve great things for Gujarat and its many passionate fans, which is why we have chosen the name Titans. As we approach the league’s mega auction, we are confident that we will be able to put together the right combination of players going into the new season. We want individuals that are not only highly skilled but who are inspired to be Titans of the game.
Titans will have INR 52 crore in their purse for the mega-auction, having spent INR 38 crore on the three players – 15 crore each for Hardik and Rashid while 8 crore for Shubman Gill.
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