In the wake of Hardik Pandya’s departure from the Gujarat Titans, head coach Ashish Nehra has voiced the challenges of replacing such a versatile player. While Pandya recently rejoined the Mumbai Indians and assumed the captaincy, Nehra expressed the difficulty in finding a player of Pandya’s caliber. In a virtual post-auction press meet, Nehra revealed that the Titans are placing their trust in Shubman Gill to take on the leadership role in the upcoming IPL season.
Nehra highlighted Gill’s growth over the past few years, emphasizing the 24-25-year-old’s maturity and cricketing acumen. Despite the tough task of filling Pandya’s shoes, Nehra expressed confidence in Gill’s abilities and announced him as the team’s captain. Nehra emphasized that results are important, but leadership qualities are equally crucial in captaincy.
The Titans were engaged in a fierce battle during the auction to secure the services of Mitchell Starc, but the Kolkata Knight Riders eventually acquired the Australian pacer for a record Rs 24.75 crore. Nehra defended the high price, asserting that there’s no concept of being overpriced in the IPL. He praised Starc’s proven track record and clarified that each team had distinct strategies in the auction.
MI head coach Mark Boucher expressed delight in the pace attack assembled by Mumbai Indians during the auction. The team acquired South African quick Gerald Coetzee, who impressed in the recent ODI World Cup, and Sri Lanka’s left-arm pacer Dilshan Madhushanka. Boucher described Coetzee as a young and promising talent, while Madhushanka’s ability to swing the new ball and deliver effective change-ups at the death were highlighted.
Delhi Capitals secured the services of England’s aggressive middle-order batter Harry Brook for Rs 4 crore. Head coach Ricky Ponting expressed excitement about working with Brook, describing him as one of the most talented international cricketers. Brook was a top priority in the auction for Delhi Capitals, and Ponting praised the successful acquisition at a favorable figure.
Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore head coach Andy Flower pinned his hopes on experienced Mohammed Siraj to lead the team’s pace attack in the upcoming IPL. Flower emphasized the importance of Siraj being fit and firing, considering him the lead bowler for RCB. Additionally, Flower highlighted that Australian all-rounder Cameron Green would strengthen RCB’s batting order, providing power in the top five, although the exact batting position is yet to be decided.
