GT vs KKR: Check Why Hardik Pandya Is Not Playing vs KKR; Rashid Khan Leading Team

GT vs KKR: The 13th game of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League is underway. It is the defending champion Gujarat Titans taking on the two-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams have some big stars in their ranks, and it is going to be an epic contest. Hardik Pandya and his team registered comprehensive wins in both of their games of the season and started their title defense in brilliant fashion.

On the other hand, KKR didn’t have a good start to their campaign and lost their first game to Punjab Kings. It was a rain-affected contest, and PBKS won it by 7 runs by the DLS method. But they bounced back in excellent fashion. KKR registered the biggest win of the IPL 2023 and thrashed Royal Challengers Bangalore by 81 runs. 

GT vs KKR: Hardik Pandya misses out; Rashid Khan leading Gujarat Titans vs KKR

The afternoon game on Sunday between GT and KKR is an important game for both teams. It will give two important points to the winner which will help them to inch closer to the playoff qualification. However, it was GT that won the toss and, surprisingly, chose to bat first. But more of a surprise was to see Rashid Khan come for the toss in place of Hardik Pandya. Rashid is captaining the team against KKR.

It came as a concern to many that something had happened to Hardik. However, Rashid confirmed that he was not feeling well and had taken a test. He also confirmed that Vijay Shankar is replacing him. Rashid said,

It might be a big blow for the defending champion as Hardik provides them great balance with both the bat and the ball. He bowls 3–4 overs and also bats in the middle order. However, GT has got enough batters to cover up, those who are in form. However, Rashid also led in one game in 2022 against CSK, which GT won.