IPL 2022: Here's why GT skipper Hardik Pandya is not playing against CSK

Both Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings would be hoping to continue their winning momentum when they lock horns with each other in Match 29 of IPL 2022 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on April 17. While GT had registered an emphatic 37-run win over Rajasthan Royals in their last game, CSK got the better of Royal Challengers Bangalore by 23 runs.

Meanwhile, when the toss happened ahead of this crucial fixture, Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan was seen in the middle along with CSK skipper Ravindra Jadeja instead of regular captain Hardik Pandya. It was a no-brainer that Hardik was not available for the ongoing clash which would have naturally made cricket fans wonder why Pandya is not playing in the first place.

Why is Hardik Pandya missing the clash against CSK?

Hardik Pandya has suffered stiffness in the groin area and therefore, he had no choice but to miss the crucial encounter against CSK despite being in the form of his life. This was confirmed by Rashid himself after winning the toss and deciding to chase.

“We would like to bowl first. Bit of stiffness in the groin area for Hardik, so as a team we didn’t want to take a chance. He will rest and hopefully be back for the next game. Super excited, it’s kind of a dream. So I just want to learn as much as I can and give 100 percent. Matthew Wade is out and Saha is in. It’s just to balance it out as Hardik is absent,” said Rashid Khan.

The Titans will definitely be missing their captain in this clash as he was adjudged the Player of the Match against the Rajasthan Royals for a blistering  87 runs from 52 deliveries at an outstanding strike rate of 167.3. Apart from that, he was also handy with the ball, taking 1/18 from his 2.3 overs.

The 28-year-old has so far amassed 228 runs from five outings averaging 76 and a strike rate of 136.53, including two half-centuries. He has also registered four scalps to his name.