'He doesn't take it seriously', GT captain Hardik Pandya assessed by Former India Player

Defending Champions Gujarat Titans will lock horns with a resurgent Kolkata Knight Riders in their second TATA IPL 2023 home game at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

One of the biggest reasons for Gujarat Titans' consistently good performance in TATA IPL is the approach of their captain and the coaching staff.

According to former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, captain Hardik Pandya and head coach Ashish Nehra keep the atmosphere in the squad light and a chilled-out dressing room helps the players bring their A-game every time they step on the pitch.

Speaking to Star Sports, Sanjay Manjrekar said, "Hardik is a successful captain because he does not take the game too seriously. Also, Ashish Nehra takes care of the tactical side and that is the reason why this team really seems to be playing as a unit."

Gujarat won on the opening night against MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings, and then they went on to beat Delhi Capitals. And Manjrekar believes the way Titans defeated CSK is a clear indication of their readiness to defend the title.

"They proved it by winning the title last season and this season they beat CSK and confirmed that they are ready to defend their title," the expert commentator concluded.

Titans have also made a tweak to their team ahead of the KKR match. Kane Williamson got injured in the very first match and then subsequently got ruled out from the IPL 2023. And the Kiwi batter has been replaced by Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka.