IPL 2022: Gujarat Titans is the official name of the Ahmedabad franchise, skipper Hardik Pandya reacts
The new Ahmedabad-based Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, which will make its debut in the upcoming season, will be called the "Gujarat Titans". Following the announcement, the names of all 10 teams of IPL 2022 have been confirmed. Another debutant franchise, Lucknow, recently confirmed its name as "Lucknow Super Giants".
British private equity and investment advisory firm CVC Capital acquired Gujarat Titans for ₹5625 crore. The team will be based at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. The franchise will be led by all-rounder Hardik Pandya and will also have Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan and Indian opener Shubman Gill in their ranks.
Shubh Aarambh! #GujaratTitans
The franchise picked Pandya and Rashid in the pre-auction draft for ₹15 crore each, while Gill was roped in for ₹8 crore. Former India pacer Ashish Nehra will be the Gujarat Titans' head coach, with experienced coaches Vikram Solanki and Gary Kirsten being named director of cricket and team mentor, respectively.
"Can't ask for better" - Hardik Pandya on his Gujarat Titans teammates
Working on my Yin☯️ https://t.co/HPmWgp2NJu
Reacting to the announcement during an interview with Star Sports, Pandya said the name is a reflection of the team's character.
He also talked about the feelings in his family about him getting the chance to captain and how it will be a "learning curve for him".
"It is a pretty amazing feeling to be honest, Loved the name. Shows our character. It means a lot to me. When I see the happiness, you know my family, they stay in Gujarat and the kind of pride I see in their eyes, that means a lot. Great opportunity for me as well. This is going to be a learning curve for me."
The IPL 2022 season is expected to begin in the last week of March. The mega auction will be held on February 12-13 in Bengaluru.