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'Wanted To Play with KL Rahul At LSG, But..'- Hardik Pandya's Explosive Revelation

image-lghlvqkxHardik Pandya in action [Source: Twitter]

History could have been different had Hardik Pandya joined another franchise and not the Gujarat Titans last year. Gujarat Titans went on to win their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title in their debut season, giving rise to Pandya as the captain.

In an unfiltered podcast with Gaurav Kapoor on the GT website, Pandya revealed that the Lucknow Super Giants had approached him to join them.

The former Mumbai Indians player revealed that he wanted to join LSG to play alongside Rahul. However, a phone call from former Indian bowler Ashish Nehra changed his decision.

Nehra, who was yet to be named head coach, offered Pandya to lead the Titans, which was the tipping point. 

Here's what Pandya said

"I did get a call from the other franchise (Lucknow Super Giants) as well, which was a new franchise in IPL. Someone who I knew (KL Rahul) was leading the team. For me, it was very important, considering the stage at which I was, where I really wanted to play with a person who has known me. But then Ashu pa called me,

 "He said, 'I'm going to be the coach. It isn't fixed yet, but I will be coach'. I was like, 'Ashu pa, if you weren't there, I wouldn't have even considered this. I've always felt you are one person who has understood what I am. We had a good chat. Moments after disconnecting the call, he dropped me a message saying if you're ready, I would like you to take the captaincy."

Pandya made a successful return to cricket in IPL 2022 after a six-month break, finishing as the team's highest run-getter and soon making a comeback in the national side.

Pandya's leadership skills were appreciated as he was appointed India's captain for Ireland and New Zealand tours, respectively.

Gujarat Titans are placed third in the IPL 2023 points table with three wins and one loss. They will face Rajasthan Royals in their fifth group-stage fixture on Sunday.