IPL 2022: Fit-again Hardik Pandya gives hilarious response on whether he would bowl again - WATCH

The Ahmedabad-based franchise will make its IPL debut alongside Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming edition, beginning March 26.

Gujarat Titans are set to mark their debut appearance in the Indian Premier League. The Ahmedabad-based franchise will join the lucrative T20 league alongside Lucknow Supergiants, making the upcoming 15th edition of the IPL a 10-team affair. Both the newbies will square off against each other in their opening game on March 28th at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya (Twitter)

While Gujarat Titans' bowling attack comprises Mohammed Shami, Lockie Ferguson and Rashid Khan, it remains to see whether captain Hardik Pandya rolls his arms over. The flamboyant Baroda all-rounder has had his fair share of fitness struggles for the past two years, keeping him away from bowling duties in the national set-up as well.

Hardik, who has bowled sparingly post his back injury, will return to action in the IPL since his previous appearance for India in the T20 World Cup last year. His bowling has been a hot topic of discussion in recent months and Hardik has said that it would be a "surprise" element in the impending IPL season.

"It would be a surprise, so let it be a surprise," said Hardik on the sidelines of Gujarat Titans jersey launch at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

The Titans also have players like Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha and Matthew Wade in the batting artillery and Hardik said the team wants to give players a sense of "security" to help them dish out their best show.

"We want to create a culture where all the players feel at home, we want to give them a sense of security then only we can get the best out of them. We want to make them feel like they belong here. It's about creating a new culture," Hardik further said.

Former India pacer Ashish Nehra is the Titans' head coach and Hardik said it's fun to work with him. "He's the funniest guy one can come across. He will never give you the coach vibe. It was very clear with Nehraji that let all the players decide what they want to do and give them freedom. You make mistakes but eventually, you learn. I'm very excited to spend time with him."

Gujarat Titans have also got all-rounder Rahul Tewatia in their camp. Known for his six-hitting blitz against Sheldon Cottrell, Tewatia was bought for ₹9 crore. Gujarat also bagged out-of-favour multi-skilled player in Vijay Shankar for ₹1.4 crore in the mega auction, and further picked up Dominic Drakes for ₹ ₹2.40 crore and Jayant Yadav for ₹1.70 crore.

Alzarri Joseph also headed to the franchise for a sum of ₹2.40 crore. Interestingly, Joseph holds the record for best bowling in an IPL match. Gujarat also splurged ₹3 crore to rope in David Miller and further bought Gurkeerat Singh (50 lakh) and Varun Aaron (50 lakh) in the closing moments of the auction.