Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya achieved a unique distinction during the Indian Premier League (IPL) face off between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (May7). The two became the first set of brothers to captain opposition teams in an IPL match.
While Hardik is Gujarat's designated captain, Krunal Pandya is leading LSG in the absence of KL Rahul who has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to an injury. At the toss, Hardik turned emotional and remembered his late father.
"We would have batted first. I told him a secret of the toss and let that be. Obviously, a very emotional day and our father would have been proud of us. He dreamt of it. We are short of words and the family is emotional. Yes, I would like the boys to win here and own this place and express themselves," Hardik Pandya said at the toss.
"Sometimes it can happen (Not being able to finish games) in the DC game and I took full responsibility of it. I want the team to express themselves and play fearlessly. We have made one change today a forced one. Josh has had to go back for national duty and in place comes Alzarri Joseph," Hardik added.
Meanwhile, it was Krunal-led LSG who have won the toss in this fixture and have chosen to field first.
Announcing his decision to bowl first, Krunal said: "We will bowl first. It's a Dream come true for us, leading our respective side. Again once we go into the field, that game face will be on."
Krunal and Hardik lost their father in January 2021. He passed away due to a cardiac arrest. He was 71.