Gary Kirsten, former India coach and mentor of the Ahmedabad franchise team, believes Hardik Pandya wants to prove his leadership skills on the big stage. He also believes having a young and new captain will benefit the team.
CVC-owned Ahmedabad hired the flamboyant Indian all-rounder for Rs 15 crore.
Kem cho Ahmedabad 👋😊 pic.twitter.com/ZsuaX6PADY
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) January 22, 2022
“I look forward to working with him as a young and new captain. I think he is going to be highly motivated to show what he is capable of at this level of the game as a leader,” Kirsten said on Star Sports’ ‘IPL: Selection Day’.
“He is a great player. I have heard he is eager to get in on the action and get involved. I think he realizes how important this tournament is. He is ready to step up and take on leadership responsibilities.”
Kirsten, who will serve as the team’s batting coach, added, “I think it’s exciting to have someone with such a level of skill, motivated to do well in this competition.”
The team has also signed Afghan spinner Rashid Khan and Indian batter Shubman Gill, and Kirsten is pleased with their signings.
“I am really excited about both of them. They are both outstanding performers.”
Gill, who has “great flair and instincts,” was lavishly praised by the South African.
“Gill is a fantastic player, who, in my view, should be playing for India. He is on the verge of that and has played already. With great flair and instinct for the game, he could be a match-winner on his own.”
“I am eager to work with him and help him make the most of the IPL season from a batting perspective.”
“Rashid Khan has traveled the world, and proved his value anywhere. I am eager to work with him – I haven’t yet – but I have seen him a lot and met him a few times.
I’m looking forward to that. From what I’ve seen of him on the field, he’s a very competitive young man who wants to do well for the organization he’s been associated with,” Kirsten said.
Twenty20 internationals have yet to be played for India by Gill, who has played 10 Tests and three ODIs. Rashid, on the other hand, has played in several seasons of the IPL and other leagues around the world.
