GT vs KKR: Why is Hardik Pandya not playing?

Defending champions Gujarat Titans were struck a huge blow after influential skipper Hardik Pandya was ruled out of the IPL 2023 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The star Indian all-rounder was rested for the game as he wasn't feeling too well, with Rashid Khan leading the side in his absence.

The home side, who lifted their maiden title in their first attempt last year, will take on an upbeat KKR side in their second home game of the season. They are heading into the game with two wins in two matches and will have to make do without Hardik Pandya in their attempt of making it three wins in three. Experienced Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar has been drafted into the playing eleven, replacing the Titans skipper.

Stand-in skipper Rashid Khan revealed at the toss that Hardik's omission was just a precautionary measure and the Titans skipper will most likely be back for the next game.

"We would like to bat first, looks like a fresh wicket, hopefully we can put up a good total and defend it. (On Hardik Pandya not playing today) Just unwell slightly, don't want to take risks with him. As a team we will try to play good cricket. We would like to bat well and putJust one change, Vijay Shankar is in for Hardik," informed Rashid after winning the toss.

Rashid Khan, who is acting as the stand-in skipper for the clash against KKR, is no stranger to the leadership role as he currently leads the Afghanistan national team in the shortest format of the game. The star leggie from Afghanistan also led the line for MI Cape Town in the inaugural edition of SA20 earlier this year.

Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Wriddhiman Saha(w), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Abhinav Manohar, Rashid Khan(c), Mohammed Shami, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal