Ashish Nehra: Gujarat Titans More Than Happy To Have Hardik Pandya As Pure Batter

Hardik has not played competitive cricket since the T20 World Cup in 2022

Former Indian fast bowler and the coach of Gujarat Titans has said the new franchise will be more than happy to have their captain Hardik Pandya as a pure batter for the new season.

Ashish Nehra, speaking to India Today, said it will be great to have Hardik Pandya roll his arm over, but that the Titans will be realistic about having the all-rounder bowl.

Hardik, who was drafted by Gujarat Titans as their captain for Rs 15 crore, has not played competitive cricket since the T20 World Cup. Questions were asked of his bowling as the former Mumbai Indians all-rounder hadn't bowled for MI in IPl 2021 and bowled just 4 overs for India at the T20 World Cup.

"If he bowls, it's great. But to be very honest, we are more than happy to have Hardik Pandya as a pure batsman. I don't see any T20 team in the world, not taking just about the IPL, where Hardik doesn't fit as a batsman. Whatever number he bats, be it 4 or 5 or 6," Nehra said.

"Yes, there is always speculation around his bowling. If he can bowl for Gujarat Titans, that will be great. But yes, if he is only batting fit, I will be happy with Hardik Pandya," he added.

"One of 2 holes, you always have to fill. If you see the same Shubman Gill or Devdutt Padikkal or Prithvi Shaw, they have become stars. Devdutt, we (RCB) got for Rs 20 lakh. But see where Devdutt is now. I am hoping for somebody like Abhinav Manohar or Sai Kishore to do the job.

"I am really hoping and backing somebody like Vijay Shankar, who has been around the team, played for India. I am looking forward to how Vijay Shankar will be doing because I really believe in him," Nehra added.