'Surprise ko surprise rehne do' - Hardik Pandya's quirky reply to journalist on chances of bowling in IPL 2022

Star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be captaining the new entrants Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022 which gets underway on March 26. The franchise had signed Pandya for a staggering INR 15 crore at the pre-auction draft after. He was released by the five-time winners Mumbai Indians.

It is to be noted that the 28-year-old has been featuring purely as a specialist middle-order batter ever since he underwent lower back surgery in October 2019. In fact, he has also taken an indefinite break from the game after ICC T20 World Cup 2021 to rediscover his rhythm with the ball in hand.

Lately, the all-rounder was asked whether he would be seen bowling in the upcoming IPL 2022 to which he came up with a quirky reply.

Hardik Pandya opens up on his bowling chances in IPL 2022

During the media interaction after the Gujarat Titans had unveiled their official jersey on March 13 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, a reporter had asked Pandya whether he would be seen bowling for the new team during the upcoming edition of the marquee tournament to which he replied by saying let it remain a surprise for now.

“Sir surprise hain woh. Surprise ko surprise rehne do”, he said.

Watch the video here:

Meanwhile, the franchise has also found a replacement for the explosive opener Jason Roy who withdrew from the tournament in order to spend time with his family. Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has replaced the 2019 World Cup winner. The Titans look a quality side on paper having invested enough on batters, bowlers, and good all-rounders and they would be hoping to have a memorable outing this time around.

The Ahmedabad-based franchise are placed in Group B  with the likes of some strong opponents including the defending champions Chennai Super Kings, 2016 winners Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Punjab Kings. The Hardik Pandya-led side will kick off their IPL 2022 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 28.