IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya begins preparations in full swing, Gujarat Titans' camp likely to be in Ahmedabad

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is preparing in full swing for the upcoming 15th edition of the Indian Premier League, where he will be leading one of the two new franchises – Gujarat Titans.

Pandya is training under the supervision of the franchise’s bowling coach Ashish Nehra, while others involved alongside him are Abhinav Manohar, Darshan Nalkande and Varun Aaron. The 28-year-old has been largely inactive in the international circuit, having last played for India during the T20 World Cup 2021 when the team exited in the group stage after twin losses to Pakistan and New Zealand.

Following that, Pandya reportedly made himself unavailable for national selection in a bid to focus on his recovery from a recurring back issue that has kept him away from bowling and has forced him to be involved in any team – previous IPL franchise Mumbai Indians or India – as only a pure batter.

Gujarat Titans’ camp likely to be in Ahmedabad: IPL source

“Hardik Pandya, Abhinav Manohar, Darshan Nalkande, Varun Aaron are currently training at the IPCL ground in Baroda. The camp kickstarted on February 25 and it will conclude on March 2,” a source close to the developments was quoted by the Print. “The preparation camp for the entire team is most likely to be held in Ahmedabad.”

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans had a decent outing in the IPL 2022 mega auction, where they bought the likes of Jason Roy, Matthew Wade, Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Wriddhiman Saha, Lockie Ferguson and Mohammed Shami amongst others, who will all join their draft picks Pandya, Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan.

The upcoming edition of the IPL, which is set for a March 26 start, is a ten-team affair following the addition of the Titans alongside Lucknow Super Giants. This will be the first time since 2011 when the league will feature more than eight teams.

In the same light, the BCCI has come up with a new system as per which the participating teams have been divided into two groups of five each. Gujarat Titans are slotted alongside Chennai Super Kings, Sunrises Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings in Group B, whereas Group A constitutes Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants.