An interesting observation has been circulating around the internet regarding the luck factor involving Hardik Pandya in the TATA IPL. In the last couple of seasons, the captain that has been standing
next to Hardik in the IPL captains’ photo has ended up winning the trophy. This time around, it has been Shubman Gill who was captured next to Hardik Pandya. This has amazed the fans as it has been true in the last couple of seasons and GT will be hoping that luck would favour them.
In the 2023 season of the IPL, it was Mahendra Singh Dhoni that stood next to Hardik Pandya and it was CSK who won the title. Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar were also seen standing next to Hardik in the 2024 and 2025 IPL seasons respectively. This has been a very clinical observation from the fans and this could be a shift that occurred due to the exit of SRH, prior to which similarities were drawn to the 2016 season.
Ahmedabad awaits as RCB and GT chase destiny
The Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill will be delighted with his decision to stand next to Hardik Pandya in the photoshoot. However, this could also be just one of the other speculations that have come into light. Earlier on, the fans drew so many similarities between the Sunrisers Hyderabad campaign in 2016 and 2026. Ultimately, it failed as the Sunrisers Hyderabad were eliminated in the Eliminator 1 with a heavy defeat against the Rajasthan Royals. Luck would have a huge role to play as the match is in Ahmedabad and the toss will be very much important in the grand scheme of things.
The IPL 2026 is drawing to a close and the fans will be ready for the clash of heavyweights. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been a dominant side and hammered the Gujarat Titans at Dharamshala. However, it won't be the same case this time out as the fixture is in Ahmedabad. The kind of reputation GT has had at Ahmedabad will be one that RCB wouldn't want to dwell too much upon. The Titans will believe they have the slight upper hand as it is being played on their home ground and they have a good record at home as well. As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru eye their second consecutive title, the Gujarat Titans will be hoping that they can halt the charge of the defending champions and clinch their 2nd IPL title.
