IPL 2023 : 3 All-rounder GT might target as Hardik Pandya's backup at auction

Hardik Pandya is one the finest all-rounders going around in world cricket at the moment. He has scored 1160 runs in 81 T20Is at a strike rate of 146.09 and bagged 62 scalps at an economy of 8.31. The 29-year-old has also set the Indian Premier League ablaze with his exceptional performances, aggregating 1963 runs in 107 games at a strike rate of 147.59 and picking up 50 scalps at an economy of 8.75.

Hardik was quite exceptional in the 2022 season of the cash-rich league. He led the way with the bat and notched up 487 runs in 15 games for Gujarat Titans at a strike rate of 131.27. Also, the Choryasi-born stepped in as the sixth bowling option and took eight wickets for his side.

Apart from their skipper, the Gujarat franchise does not have any top-drawer seam-bowling all-rounder in their arsenal. Given the flamboyant cricketer has had his fair share of injury concerns in the past, GT would want to cushion themselves with quality reinforcements who can fill Hardik’s boots if needed. Thus, one could witness the defending champions bidding for multi-faceted gun cricketers at the IPL 2023 auction.

Here are three all-rounder Gujarat Titans might target as Hardik Pandya's backup at auction:

3. Prerak Mankad

Prerak Mankad is one of the promising all-rounders in the Indian domestic circuit. The Saurashtra batter has scored 1535 runs in 53 List-A matches at a strike rate of 104.99 and bagged 38 wickets for his side. Talking about the shortest format, he has smashed 877 runs in 42 matches at an average of 142.60 and taken 22 wickets at an economy of 8.53.

The Sirohi-born showed his all-round prowess in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022. Mankad scored 182 runs in 10 games at a strike rate of 97.84 and picked up eight wickets at an economy of 4.16. His all-round exploits were instrumental in Saurashtra’s title triumph.

The 28-year-old can act as a floater in the batting line-up and can play the role of an enforcer in the middle phases of the innings. So, Mankad could be a great replacement for Hardik if the latter is unavailable. Also, his inclusion in the team would eat up an overseas slot. Therefore, Gujarat Titans might raise their paddle to sign him at the forthcoming player auction.