India's favourite all-rounder Hardik Pandya was not retained by Mumbai Indians for the 15th edition of Indian Premier League (2022). However, to everyone's surprise the all-rounder was picked for a staggering INR 15 crores by the Ahmedabad franchise and will also get to lead the team. Ahmedabad is a new addition to the cash-rich tournament bring the tally to ten teams from eight. Along with Ahmedabad, Lucknow team has also been launched this season.
"To be very honest I was very excited when I got to know I will be playing for my state. It is my home state where I was born and brought up. It is going to be an exciting and new opportunity for me because I have always played as a player who wanted to take up a lot of responsibility and ownership of things when I do things and now when I have got the opportunity, I want to create some nice culture where all the players get equal opportunity-- one for all and all for one," said Hardik Pandya while speaking to ANI.
"It is a new pamphlet, a new legacy for us. Obviously I am very lucky for having played in Mumbai Indians where I learnt a lot from being a new kid coming to the IPL to now getting an opportunity to lead a team. It has been a dream for me and I am grateful for all the opportunities and chances given by the people," he added.
It Is Officially Announced That Hadik Pandya Will Be Our Captain 👮. #HardikPandya #IPLAuction2022 pic.twitter.com/J91g9Ui2sE
— Official Ahmedabad Ipl Team (@Ipl_ahmedabaad) January 21, 2022
Over the years, Hardik has impressed all with his on field presence, be it his bowling capabilites or power-packed batting, he has delivered as a star performer in his IPL stint with the Mumbai Indians and raised the expectation for future.