Out-of-favour India all-rounder Hardik Pandya on Sunday (March 13) said his bowling would be a “surprise” element in the IPL 2022 season.
Notably, Hardik will be seen in a new avatar as Gujarat Titans skipper in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League, slated to get underway on March 26.
Pandya has been in and out of the Indian team due to fitness issues lately. After going through back surgery in 2019, he has struggled to bowl his full quota of overs regularly.
Hardik Pandya was last seen in action during the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, wherein he bowled only four overs and failed to claim a wicket. His selection in the showpiece event also drew criticism as many were of the opinion that an unfit cricketer shouldn't be a part of the squad.
“Sir, it would be a surprise, so let it be a surprise,” Hardik told a reporter on the sidelines of Gujarat Titans’ jersey launch.
Hardik Pandya was roped in by Gujarat Titans for INR 15 crore in the pre-auction draft and was appointed of the franchise making its debut in the cash-rich tournament.
While there is no manual for his captaincy, Hardik does have a philosophy which is to back his players in tough times.
“Success is theirs, failure is mine. Our role will be to make sure the players are comfortable in whatever capacity we can help them out. Clarity, honesty has to be there,” he said.
“In good times they don’t need any of us. But the season will test you, there will be difficult times and that’s when we will be there to support them. We want to create a culture where all the players feel at home, we want to give them a sense of security then only we can get the best out of them. We want to make them feel like they belong here. It’s about creating a new culture,” he added.
Gujarat Titans will have former India pacer Ashish Nehra as the head coach and Hardik said it’s fun to work with him.
“He’s the funniest guy one can come across. He will never give you the coach vibe. It was very clear with Nehraji that let all the players decide what they want to do and give them freedom. You make mistakes but eventually you learn. I’m very excited to spend time with him,” he concluded.
(With PTI inputs)
