The newly-formed Ahmedabad franchise has roped in Hardik Pandya as skipper of the team for the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Captaincy is something that is a pretty new thing for Pandya as he had performed the role only once at U-16 level for Baroda.
While there is no manual for his captaincy, Hardik does have a philosophy which is to back his players in tough times.
"I will give an example — when someone is on a high and everything is falling in place, he genuinely does not need anyone, he's at that point in good space and does not need anyone, I have always believed that when someone is having a bad day, that's when he needs you," he told PTI in an exclusive chat.
"My philosophy is that if someone is doing well, as a captain, I will not bother him but when he is down, as a person I will be available if he needs me to hold his hand. That's the motto I would like to follow. For anyone who needs me, I will always be there."
The all-rounder has seen a lot of ups and downs during his professional cricket career and has played under different captains. MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli led the Indian side in the last decade while Rohit Sharma captained the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Hardik has been part of all the teams under them.
Speaking on the larnings he received from Kohli, Dhoni and Rohit, Pandya said: "From Virat, I will pick his aggression and passion, his energy which is tremendous. From Mahi bhai it's the composure, calmness, remaining same in every situation, trying to see what new things he can add.
"...and from Rohit, I would pick the freedom as he lets the player decide what he wants to do. These three qualities if I can pick up, it will be a very good combination."
Having won three IPL titles with Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya knows what it takes to become successful as a team.
"For me, its about players who can play as per situations. It doesn't matter how much firework you have, it's all about situations and picking the right moments and you win.
"When you finish the game, you know who is the winner but there are small moments you have to win in T20 games and for us that's more important. We are focussed on making sure that we win those small battles -- may be doing well in 14th over or 16th over, just an example," he said.
Leading a franchise in a high-profile tournament like IPL is a good start for a new captain, but Indian captaincy is not something that Hardik is targetting.
"It's a good start as IPL gives the platform to test myself in new role as pressure is very similar. Not saying you are expected to win but everyone wants to win.
"It's a right step to go ahead and eventually get captaincy for your country but you don't look for that. If it's suppose to come it will come."
(With PTI inputs)
