IPL 2024: 3 players who can replace Hardik Pandya as Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper

India’s premium all-rounder Hardik Pandya is all set to return to Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of IPL 2024. It is the same franchise where he caught the attraction of the cricket fraternity with his performances and later made his place in the national team.

Earlier, there were speculations that Rohit Sharma might be offered in the trade. However, the Mumbai-based franchise will not trade any player but pay INR 15 crore for the transfer of Hardik.

Gujarat Titans (GT) will definitely use that sum to acquire other talents at the IPL auction. They also need to decide on a new skipper for the upcoming season as Hardik leaves the group.

Here we look at three names who can lead GT in the 17th edition of the cash-rich league:

1) Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson is undoubtedly the prime runner in the race as he is well-experienced and a proven leader. He is seen as a senior cricket and will be respected by all in the dressing room.

Apart from experience leading a side in the international arena, he also led IPL side Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in multiple seasons. He came close to lifting the IPL trophy in 2018 but unfortunately lost to MS Dhoni’s CSK in the final.

In Hardik’s absence, Kane could be appointed as the new skipper. He can establish a settled captain-coach partnership with GT’s head coach Ashish Nehra as both the personalities are calm and complused.