Hardik Pandya returns to Ahmedabad as Mumbai Indians take on Gujarat Titans, a franchise he led for two seasons before returning to his old side. After Hardik decided to leave for Mumbai, Gujarat promoted Shubman Gill as the team's skipper. On Sunday, however, Gill and Hardik reunite as MI travel to Ahmedabad for their opening game of the season, against GT. Considering how the IPL dynamics have changed, Gill admitted that it is going to be an exciting battle with Hardik as the two square-off at the Narendra Modi stadium.
Before the match, Gill spoke about his admiration for some of India's finest captains. While the top-order batter hasn't played under MS Dhoni's captaincy, it's the wicket-keeper batter he has admired the most as a leader.
"I haven't played under Mahi Bhai (MS Dhoni) as such, but watching him as a kid go about things on the field, he is my inspiration," the opener said.
Virat Kohli is also someone Gill has looked up to but it's Rohit Sharma under whom he has played most of his Team India career.
"I have played under Virat (Kohli) Bhai as well, but I have played most of my cricket under Rohit (Sharma) Bhai and there are a lot of qualities I will be picking personally from him," the 24-year-old added.
"It is amazing to play against Mumbai Indians, who have won the title five times. But playing them in Ahmedabad, we haven't lost a match here against MI, so hopefully we are going to continue the streak," he explained.
When it comes to Hardik, under whom Gill has played both in the Indian team and Gujarat Titans, it's going to be exciting to take on the all-rounder-led Mumbai side.
"It is going to be exciting. Hardik (Pandya) bhai is someone, who I have played under in the Indian team as well as at GT. So it is going to be an exciting and fantastic dynamic," Gill asserted.
"Hopefully it is going be a hundred and ten thousand people cheering for us and there is nothing better than that," he said.