IPL Auction 2024

‘Because he’s a friend, yes’- Hardik Pandya gives a big hint on Gujarat bidding for Kane Williamson in Indian T20 League mini auction

Ahead of the Indian T20 League mini-auction in December, several franchises released numerous players on Tuesday which included many big names. The Hyderabad franchise released their captain Kane Williamson owing to his below-par performance in the 2022 season. Indian captain for the T20I series on the New Zealand tour, Hardik Pandya, commented on the development and answered whether his team Gujarat will bid for the Blackcaps captain in the auction.

Ahead of India’s three-match T20I series against New Zealand starting on 18^th November at Wellington, Pandya was asked about his Indian T20 League team’s interest in the Kiwi captain. The allrounder gave responded to the question by saying, “Don’t know, too far ahead to think about it now. For him, because he is a friend, yes. Rest it is okay. Indian T20 League is Indian T20 League, right now I am playing for India.”

Williamson had a disappointing outing with the bat in the 2022 season of the Indian T20 League as he could only manage 216 runs at an average of 19.63 and a strike rate of 93.50. Hyderabad had a disappointing campaign overall as they finished on eighth place on the points table.

It’s an important series for a lot of the boys: Hardik Pandya

Meanwhile, India will start afresh in the upcoming T20I series after getting knocked out by England in the second semi-final of the 20-20 World Cup 2022. After the embarrassing defeat, many experts have criticized India’s batting approach in the shortest format in international cricket. Commenting on India’s approach in T20Is going ahead, Pandya said, “Next 20-20 World Cup is in two years’ time …. The roadmap starts now.”

“Also the (ODI) World Cup is there in India next (year), it’s a different format … than what we’re going to play in the next three games but it’s an important series for a lot of the boys. Eventually, if they do well here, they will be able to put a strong case going forward,” he added.

The senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been rested for the tour which will give the youngsters a great opportunity to shine in their absence.

“Obviously, the main boys are not here but at the same time, the players who are already are, they have also been playing for India for one and one-and-half years now. New bunch, new guys with a lot of excitement and energy. It’s going to be quite exciting,” said the 29-year-old.

India will also play a three-match ODI series after the T20I series gets over. Shikhar Dhawan will be leading the ODI team.