‘I wanted to join LSG, but then Ashish Nehra called me…’: Hardik Pandya makes shocking revelation in GT Podcast

Hardik Pandya has revealed that he was close to joining Lucknow Super Giants ahead of its debut season because of his good relationship with KL Rahul, but…

Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya has recently made a revelation that may shock many fans. Hardik Pandya, who ended as the side’s highest run-scorer in IPL 2022 (the first IPL season of Gujarat Titans), has revealed that he was close to joining Lucknow Super Giants ahead of its debut season because of his good relationship with KL Rahul (captain of LSG).

“I did get a call from the other franchise (Lucknow Super Giants) as well, which was a new franchise in IPL. Someone who I knew (KL Rahul) was leading the team. For me, it was very important, considering the stage at which I was, where I really wanted to play with a person who has known me,” Hardik told Gaurav Kapoor in Gujarat Titans’ podcast.

“I always found that people who know me have a different perspective than people who have never come across or come close to me. When I got the opportunity to work with someone I know, I was very keen to go to that side,” said Hardik further.

The all-rounder then mentioned how a call from Ashish Nehra changed his mind.

Also read: LSG vs PBKS IPL 2023: 3 Best Batters to pick in your fantasy team

“But then Ashu pa called me. At that time, the team also didn’t have the permission to be part of the IPL. It was very haywire, things weren’t even settled. He said, ‘I’m going to be the coach. It isn’t fixed yet, but I will be coach’. I was like, ‘Ashu pa, if you weren’t there, I wouldn’t have even considered this because you’re saying this… I’ve always felt you are one person who has understood what I am’,” Hardik said.

“I’m simple to work with, the one who knows me, know what I am. I think he (Nehra) comes in those categories who has found the right side of me. I was completely off the grid because I took a sabbatical, and I was away from the sport. I had decided not to be available for anything.

“I told him, ‘Ashu pa, it’s very important for me to know what you’re looking at’. We had a good chat. I was like, ‘okay let me think about it’. Moments after disconnecting the call, he dropped me a message saying ‘if you’re ready, I would like you to take the captaincy’. That was a surprise for me. I didn’t expect that. I’ve never been a person who has ever run behind anything. If someone comes, it comes. When I got to know, I was in a different zone,” Hardik mentioned.

IPL 2024

Related articles

KKR vs SRH 2025 Playing 11: Kolkata and Hyderabad Eager to Return to Winning Ways – Check Predicted Lineups

Despite having star players, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad have not had an ideal start to IPL 2025. Both teams have played three...

KKR vs SRH: Who Will Win Today’s Match? Stats to Determine the Stronger Team

Kolkata Knight Riders will take the field at their home ground, Eden Gardens Stadium, on April 3 to face Sunrisers Hyderabad. Both teams have...

RCB vs GT- Bengaluru Pitch Report, Weather Forecast and IPL Stats

The 14th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will witness an exciting clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT)...

BCCI Central Contract 2025- Comeback for Shreyas Iyer But Ishan Kishan Snubbed Again

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the list of centrally contracted players soon. Shreyas Iyer, who played...

IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals Captain Riyan Parag Faces Huge Loss, Fined Despite Winning the Match

Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured their first victory in IPL 2025 by defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 6 runs in the 11th match of...

Who is Hardik Pandya’s Alleged Girlfriend Jasmin Walia? This Song Made Her a Sensation

Is Hardik Pandya in love again after parting ways with Natasa Stankovic? If social media discussions and speculations are to be believed, then the...

Will Virat Kohli Play in the 2027 ODI World Cup? Reveals His Next Big Goal – Watch Viral Video

Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has revealed his next big goal. Speculation is high on whether Kohli will participate in the 2027 ODI World...

IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma’s Bat Stays Silent in T20, Breaks a 15-Year-Old Unwanted Record

Rohit Sharma’s bat has remained quiet in IPL 2025. After playing in the T20 World Cup final last year, this is his first T20...