Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg has made a sensational claim ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League 2024 as he feels that the absence of Hardik Pandya would not hurt the one-time IPL champions Gujarat Titans (GT).
Ahead of the IPL 2024, the cricket world was stunned by the biggest trade deal in the history of this league, as the Gujarat Titans (GT) traded their IPL-winning captain Hardik Pandya to the Mumbai Indians (MI). This move came as a surprise, given Pandya’s successful tenure with the Gujarat Titans since joining the team in 2022.
Hardik Pandya has been associated with the Mumbai Indians since his IPL debut. However, before the 2022 mega auction, he was signed by the Gujarat Titans and served as their captain. Under his leadership, the team won the title in 2022 and reached the final in 2023 before Pandya returned to the Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024.
Brad Hogg Made A Bold Remark On Hardik Pandya Rejoining Mumbai Indians
Meanwhile, in a video shared by the Mumbai Indians’ official YouTube channel, Brad Hogg talked about the Gujarat Titans (GT) letting go of Hardik Pandya. He claimed that the absence of Hardik would not have any major impact on the franchise and even went on to claim that GT is a better unit without Hardik. He said:
“I don’t think Hardik Pandya is that big a loss really (for GT). Yes he is a quality All-rounder in the middle order, but they can cover it. They have got really good bowling depth there. He was batting in the top order but I don’t think he was best suited there so Gujarat Titans are better off without him.”
Following Hardik Pandya’s acquisition, the Mumbai Indians (MI) have named him as their new captain, displacing the joint-most successful skipper in IPL history, Rohit Sharma. This unexpected decision drew criticism from fans, who felt it disrespected Rohit, the captain responsible for much of the franchise’s success.
Furthermore, Brad Hogg stated that Hardik Pandya is better suited for the finisher’s role and he will get that opportunity with Mumbai Indians, unlike Gujarat Titans, where he used to bat in the top or middle order. He said:
“Mumbai are better off having an Indian all-rounder batting in the lower middle order and I think that’s where Hardik will bat. I think we will see Hardik back at his best with Mumbai Indians.”
The IPL 2024 is scheduled to kick off on March 22 with a face-off between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Chepauk. Hardik Pandya and his squad will hit the field on March 24 as they face the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
