IPL 2023: Head coach Ashish Nehra provides clarity on Kane Williamson and Hardik Pandya’s batting role in Gujarat Titans squad

When Gujarat Titans (GT) picked up Kane Williamson at the recently concluded IPL mini-auction there were many who were left surprised by the move. The defending champions signed him at his base price of INR 2 crore and as per the head coach of the franchise, Ashish Nehra, they have a plan ready for Williamson as far as the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League is concerned.

While talking to Sportstar after the auction, Nehra opened up about Williamson’s role and stated that the top-order batter is likely to bat at number three in the upcoming season.

A lot of cricketers including Vijay Shankar were given a shot to cement the spot at number three in the 2022 season but none could capitalize. Nehra also mentioned that the all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be seen batting at number four in IPL 2023.

“Yes, of course. Somebody like Kane Williamson, you are looking at batting at No. 3,” said the 43-year-old.

“Hardik batted at No. 3 only once last year, otherwise he batted at No. 4. With Williamson at 3, Hardik will continue to bat at No. 4. We cannot think so far ahead since there’s still so much time for the IPL to begin. We will take a call closer to the tournament but I don’t think Hardik will bat down the order,” he added.

I feel there is no such thing as a finisher: Nehra

Pandya, who plays as a finisher in the Indian team, mostly bats at number four for GT. There were a lot of arguments made in the last season as some of the pundits initially wanted Pandya to bat down the order so that he could ace the finisher's role. However, Nehra doesn’t seem to believe much in the finisher philosophy and has his own reason behind the same.

“I feel there is no such thing as a finisher. If you are set and batting well, you are expected to finish the game. Even your opener can be your finisher,” the former world champion added.