Why Hardik Pandya is not leading Gujarat Titans in GT vs KKR match in IPL 2023?

Ahmedabad: Unbeaten Gujarat Titans gears up to take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the 13^th  match of the Indian Premier League 2023 at Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad.

Both the teams are coming on the back of comprehensive wins in their previous game as Gujarat Titans defeated Delhi Capitals by 6-wcikets, while KKR came better of Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Meanwhile, Gujarat’s fan dealt with a major blow ahead of the game as its regular skipper Hardik Pandya didn’t come out for toss, instead Rashid Khan was seen leading the pack.

While many were wondering why Hardik is not part of the playing XI, Rashid revealed that Hardik is bit under the weather and team management has decided to give him rest.

“Just unwell slightly, don’t want to take risks with him,” Rashid Khan said. The stand-in skipper further informed that Vijay Shankar has replaced Hardik in the squad after opting to bowl first.

Meanwhile, KKR skipper Nitish Rana informed that his side made two crucial changes in the squad as Lockie Ferguson has replaced Tim Southee and Mandeep Singh makes way for Jagadeesan.