Gujarat Titans keep Priyank Panchal as a backup player for IPL 2022 - Reports

Gujarat Titans will make their Indian Premier League debut in the 2022 edition of the T20 tournament. The Titans will become the first franchise to represent the Ahmedabad city in the league. Considering the connection with Gujarat, the team appointed Hardik Pandya as their captain for IPL 2022. 

Also, they have now reportedly decided to add Priyank Panchal as one of their backup players. Panchal has captained Gujarat’s team in domestic cricket. His consistent performances in domestic cricket have earned him a place in the Indian Test squad as well. 

While Panchal has not played for the Indian cricket team, he has represented India ‘A’ many times. He has never played in the IPL before as well. In case the Titans need an Indian batter as a replacement during IPL 2022, they may rope in Panchal as a replacement. 

According to a report by Sportskeeda, Panchal will join the Gujarat Titans camp soon as a backup player. It will be interesting to see if he gets a chance to play in IPL 2022. 

Before the auction, Priyank Panchal said he would love to be picked by the Gujarat Titans 

Interestingly, just before the IPL 2022 Mega Auction, Panchal had stated that he was an improved limited overs batter now, and he was looking forward to the auction. When asked if he would like to play for the Gujarat Titans, Panchal told Sportskeeda: 

“I would love to play for any of the ten franchises, but being picked up by the Gujarat franchise will be the ‘cherry on top.” 

Gujarat Titans will start their IPL 2022 season against the Lucknow Super Giants on March 28 in Mumbai. It will be interesting to see if they can get off to a winning start. The squad comprises some big names like Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill.