The head coach of Gujarat Titans, Ashish Nehra, acknowledged the formidable task of replacing versatile player Hardik Pandya. Despite the difficulties, Nehra expressed confidence in Shubman Gill to assume a leadership role in the upcoming IPL season. Pandya recently rejoined the Mumbai Indians and has been named the captain of the five-time champions. In a virtual post-auction press meeting, Nehra stated,

“To replace a player like Hardik Pandya is difficult considering his talent and experience. We have seen how he (Gill) has shaped up in the past three-four years. He is 24-25 years of age but he has a good head on his shoulders.”

Nehra emphasized the franchise’s unwavering support for Gill, regardless of the results in the upcoming IPL edition.

“We believe in him. That is why we made him captain. I am not someone who will always go by results. Yes, results are important, but when you come to captaincy, you have to look at other things also. We are confident that Gill is the right person (for captaincy),” Nehra added.

During the auction, the Titans engaged in a competitive battle to acquire Mitchell Starc, who was eventually purchased by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a record Rs 24.75 crore. Nehra expressed satisfaction with the acquisition, stating,

“There’s nothing like being overpriced in the IPL. Everybody knows what Starc can do. He is a proven player. We needed a fast bowler, and every team had different strategies. We have to be satisfied with what we have. For a bowler like Starc, I don’t think that is a surprise.”

Mark Boucher, the head coach of Mumbai Indians, expressed delight at the pace attack assembled during the auction. The team secured South African quick Gerald Coetzee and Sri Lanka’s left-arm pacer Dilshan Madhushanka. Boucher praised Coetzee as a young and promising talent and highlighted Madhushanka’s abilities as a three-phase bowler.

Delhi Capitals’ head coach, Ricky Ponting, expressed excitement about working with the aggressive England middle-order batter Harry Brook, who was acquired for Rs 4 crore. Ponting regarded Brook as one of the most talented international cricketers and emphasized his importance in this year’s auction.

Andy Flower, the head coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore, pinned his hopes on experienced Mohammed Siraj to lead the team’s pace battery in the next IPL. Flowers highlighted Siraj’s fitness and form as crucial to the team’s success. Additionally, Flower mentioned that Australian all-rounder Cameron Green would bolster RCB’s batting order with his power, although the exact batting position is yet to be decided.