Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya has made a startling revelation on why left-arm pacer Yash Dayal has not played for the team in the ongoing IPL 2023, ever since their loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at home.
Since being destroyed by Rinku Singh of the Kolkata Knight Riders for five sixes in the final over of IPL 2023 match 13, Yash Dayal has been missing in action. Dayal had to defend 28 from the next five balls of the 20th over which KKR needed. Unfortunately, the left-arm pacer gave in to pressure and allowed 30 runs to be scored in just five deliveries.
While Rinku stole the show with his monstrous knock, Dayal’s absence from the GT playing XI was noted in the very next match, against Punjab Kings. The latter was replaced by senior India pacer Mohit Sharma and is yet to pave his way back into the mix.
I Can’t Confirm That On His Chances Of Playing Again This Season: Hardik Pandya On Yash Dayal
Mohit Sharma has been amazing for GT and has won two Player of the Match awards for his brilliant use of yorkers, cutters, and slower balls in the death overs where Hardik Pandya has employed him to bowl.
On Tuesday night, Pandya was questioned about the Dayal after Gujarat Titans defeated Mumbai Indians by 55 runs in Ahmedabad.
He said: “I can’t confirm that (on his chances of playing again this season). He fell ill and lost 7-8 kilos after that match. There was a spread of viral infection during that period and also due to the pressure he had faced, his condition is presently not good enough to take the field. Someone’s loss is someone’s gain at the end of the day. It is going to take a long time before we see him on the field.”
Dayal had been the star pacer for GT in their victorious IPL 2022 campaign, picking 11 wickets in 9 matches at an economy of just 6.15. Gujarat is at the 2nd spot of the IPL 2023 table after their 55-run win over 5-time champions Mumbai Indians.