Earlier this year, Torrent Group (“Torrent”), a diversified conglomerate with interests in Healthcare and Energy sectors, acquired a 67% majority stake in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Gujarat Titans (Irelia Sports India Private Limited) from Irelia Company Pte Ltd (“Irelia”).
The Gujarat Titans had a memorable season in the IPL, culminating in a narrow loss to the Mumbai Indians in a closely contested Eliminator. Jinal Mehta, Director, Torrent Group & Managing Director, Gujarat Titans , spoke with GT Insider in a recent video on nurturing a team culture rooted in Gujarat’s pride, purpose, and passion.
Jinal Mehta, Director, Torrent Group & Managing Director, Gujarat Titans , shared insights on building a team culture deeply rooted in Gujarat’s pride, purpose, and passion.
“We acquired the stake just prior to the commencement of the season. It’s been a wonderful and exciting journey since then. Our family is very passionate about cricket and we’re looking forward to the responsibility to nurture the Gujarat Titans (GT) brand further and the wonderful legacy that has been created in the last four years.”
On following any match rituals or superstitions, he said, “I do not have any superstitions or rituals either prior or during the match. Our family believes in empowering the management, the coaching staff and the players to take the decisions. We see our role as custodians of the brand GT. We want to steer the macro decisions and the vision of the team, keeping our fans at the centre of everything we do.”
He also highlighted the consistent performances of the players, saying, “The players are very sincere, they’re very focused, and they bring a great energy to the unit. And it’s been remarkable to see how they performed on the field and the way they conduct themselves off the field as well.”
Mehta reflected on how the Gujarat Titans have quickly captured the hearts of the Gujarati people, noting, “It’s remarkable how within four years, GT has captured the Gujarati heart. It’s had a wonderful run this last four seasons. We made it to the playoffs thrice, including winning the title once and being runners-up in the second season. And that essentially, that performance, that spirit, the Aave De spirit that Gujarat Titans stands for, really resonates with Gujaratis. And I think that it’s really remarkable how GT has caught the Gujarati mind and heart.”