By Zainab Shafiq 
In a heartwarming gesture of solidarity, Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat Titans will be donning a lavender kit to show their support in the battle against cancer during their upcoming match against Aiden Markram’s Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Monday, May 15. The match, scheduled to take place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, promises to be a symbol of unity and awareness.
The defending champions, known for their exceptional performances on the field, took to their official social media handle to share this inspiring news. They expressed their commitment to the cause by replacing their regular dark blue kit with a lavender-coloured outfit. By doing so, the players aim to raise awareness and contribute to the fight against cancer.
The franchise conveyed its message through an Instagram post, captioning it, “We are ready to don the lavender colours this Monday for a special cause. Gujarat Titans care about the health and wellness of one and all! Join us as we strive to raise awareness against cancer.” This statement reflects their determination to make a difference and emphasizes the importance of promoting good health and well-being.
In their most recent match against the Mumbai Indians on May 12, Hardik Pandya and his team suffered a defeat. Despite the impressive performance of spin sensation Rashid Khan, who took four wickets in the first innings, Mumbai Indians posted an enormous total of 218 runs, mainly due to Suryakumar Yadav’s blistering century (103* off 49 balls).
Suryakumar Yadav showcased his immense batting prowess by hitting six maximums and eleven fours at an explosive strike rate of 210.20. In response, Rashid Khan launched a fierce counter-attack with an unbeaten 79 off just 32 balls, which included an astonishing ten sixes and three fours at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 246.87. However, despite these individual heroics, Mumbai Indians secured the victory, moving up to the third spot in the IPL Points Table with 14 points from 12 matches.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans, who were once comfortably positioned at the top of the table, now face tough competition from teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians. With two group fixtures remaining, the defending champions are determined to secure favorable results and solidify their place in the Qualifier 1 spot. Their ultimate goal is to clinch the championship title for the second consecutive season.
As the Gujarat Titans prepare to take the field in their lavender kit, they hope to inspire fans, players, and the wider community to unite in the battle against cancer. Through their actions, they aim to raise awareness and promote the significance of early detection, treatment, and support for those affected by this devastating disease. Together, with the power of sports and a shared sense of purpose, they strive to make a positive impact on the lives of cancer patients and their loved ones.