'I won't be surprised if...' - Former India opener makes bold prediction for Gujarat ahead of ITL 2023

Gujarat Giants: (Image Source: Twitter)

No one would have thought that Hardik Pandya, who made his captaincy debut in the Indian T20 League last year, would lead his team to the title in 2022 season. Under his leadership, Gujarat topped the league stage points table and became the first team to qualify for last year's ITL. Although they are one of the top contenders this season to win the cash-rich league, former Indian cricketer, Akash Chopra countered that by highlighting some facts.

Gujarat had a magnificent run in the previous tournament and lifted the coveted trophy after hammering Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan in the final clash. Only four-time winners Chennai and five-time champions Mumbai have won back-to-back titles in the Indian men's franchise T20 league. Pointing this out, former Kolkata star Chopra feels that Gujarat cannot repeat the record of Mumbai and Chennai.

"I don't see them lifting the trophy again because it happens very rarely. Teams have been able to do it only twice. This team is good but can it replicate Mumbai and Chennai's record - I am not 100% certain. But they have the team that can reach the playoffs but I won't be terribly surprised if they don't reach the playoffs," Chopra said.

Chopra feels that Gujarat's batting is a concern

The former India opener opined that Gujarat's batting unit is a concern as they lack power strikers in their squad. The defending champions signed former Hyderabad skipper Kane Williamson and added one more world-class batter to their side. Players like Shubman Gill, Williamson and Matthew Wade can do well for the team, but Chopra feels that the team lacks firepower.

"If this team has a concern, it comes from the batting. Among the batters, they have Kane Williamson, Shubman Gill, David Miller, Sai Sudarshan, Abhinav Manohar, Hardik Pandya - you can keep him both as batter and bowler, Rahul Tewatia and Vijay Shankar - both of them can be kept in the all-rounder's category. Let us add the keepers as well - Wriddhiman Saha, Matthew Wade, KS Bharat and Urvil Patel. So a lot of batters are seen but you feel that if there is any concern, it is here only, because they do not have that much strike power," he said.