Former Indian fast bowler Laxmipathi Balaji believes Gujarat Titans have filled the void left by Hardik Pandya as Jason Holder has delivered consistently. Holder returned with figures 0-39 in his quota of four overs against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday.

The West Indies all-rounder has scalped 13 wickets in seven matches at an average of 13.92 and an economy rate of 6.87 in the ongoing IPL 2026. Thus, the lanky bowler has done a fantastic job in the middle overs and he can also contribute with the bat in the latter stages of the innings.

Balaji said on Star Sports, “He is an improved cricketer over the last two years in T20 cricket, especially as a death overs bowler and batter. He has evolved in his ability to produce cameos. GT have finally filled the role Hardik Pandya played with him. He is the fulcrum, lending GT great balance in bowling and batting.”

Meanwhile, Kagiso Rabada has also delivered consistently for Gujarat Titans. Rabada has scalped 21 wickets in 13 matches of the season at an average of 21.95 and an economy rate of 9.22. Balaji said Rabada’s performance as a pack leader has elevated the rest of the group.

“Rabada has the ability to bowl at a high-octane pace, and he is maximizing it. He was trusting the slower balls too much the last couple of seasons. His speed this season shows he is at peak fitness. His performance as the leader of the pack has elevated the group,” said Balaji (via the aforementioned source).

The former CSK bowler also praised other GT bowlers, including Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj.

“Siraj’s impeccable control has indirectly helped Rabada. They have a lethal pace attack with these two, Prasidh Krishna and an in-form Jason Holder. These four in tandem remind us of the West Indies in the 1980s. They are attacking at all times, keeping the wickets column changing. They have the best bowling attack in the competition.”

GT will next take on CSK at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Thursday.