IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya-led Ahmedabad franchise named Gujarat Titans

The Ahmedabad franchise of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been named Gujarat Titans, the franchise announced on Twitter on Wednesday (February 9). It will be one of the two teams set to make their IPL debut, with Lucknow Super Giant being the other one.

The Titans will be led by India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who along with Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan have been procured ahead of the IPL mega auction, scheduled to be held in Bangalore on February 12 and 13. Hardik and Rashid were bought for INR 15 crore each while Ahmedabad secured Gill's services for INR 8 crore.

While Pandya has been one of Mumbai Indians' (MI) mainstays over the last few years, Rashid moves to Ahmedabad after five years with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where he established himself as the main spinner. Young India batter Gill too had a successful spell with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the top after impressing in the Under-19 World Cup in 2018 and will look to replicate his efforts for his new franchise.

Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra has been named head coach of the franchise while Gary Kirsten, who coached India in their successful World Cup campaign in 2011 is the batting coach and mentor of the side. 

Furthermore, former England batter Vikram Solanki is the director of cricket for the franchise.

Gujarat will look to further add to their roster in the IPL auction with the INR 52 crore purse limiit available at their disposal. The other new team Lucknow, will have INR 58 crore to spend at the auction. They have named KL Rahul as their captain, while Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi were the other two draft picks.