New Delhi: What happened suddenly to Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Hardik Pandya? The same question is going through everyone's mind after the toss in the match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The teams of Gujarat and KKR are facing off in the 13th match of the IPL. Nitish Rana came from KKR for the toss, but Rashid Khan came from Gujarat instead of Hardik Pandya.

???? Toss Update ????@gujarat_titans win the toss and elect to bat first against @KKRiders.

Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/G8bESXjTyh#TATAIPL | #GTvKKR pic.twitter.com/SmNpbdnacn

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 9, 2023

Everyone was stunned to see Rashid captaining in place of Pandya. After winning the toss, Rashid also explained the reason behind Pandya's absence. After winning the toss, Gujarat chose to bat first. Rashid then explained why he was given the captaincy in a hurry. Rashid told me that Pandya is ill, and he did not want to take any risks. The management also did not want to take a risk regarding Pandya's fitness in the big tournament. Vijay Shankar was included in the playing eleven in place of Pandya. This is the second time that Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of a Gujarat match.

Last year, Pandya could not play the match for Gujarat against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and was replaced by Rashid. Rashid not only captained but also snatched victory from CSK's face. In that match, Rashid hit 40 runs in 21 balls and gave the team a 3-wicket win one ball earlier. Last season, Gujarat made its debut in the IPL and became the champion in the first season as well. This season, he won both of his opening matches.

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