Gujarat Titans had an amazing debut in the 2022 IPL season, winning the trophy in their first appearance. They had a winning combination and the leadership of Hardik Pandya was seen as a key factor. In IPL 2023, they came close to another victory, but Pandya faced challenges against the weather and cricket legend MS Dhoni.
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As they looked forward to IPL 2024, Gujarat Titans faced a setback when Hardik Pandya unexpectedly decided to return to Mumbai Indians. This left the team without a clear leader, and the management was unsure about how to proceed.
Shubman Gill or Kane Williamson Who Will Be Captain?
As Gujarat Titans gear up for the IPL 2024 auction in Dubai on November 19, they face crucial decisions. They’re pondering whether to opt for the young and emerging Shubman Gill or the experienced but not-so-IPL-impressive Kane Williamson as their captain.
The retained players include spinner Rashid Khan and India’s star pacer Mohammed Shami, both excelling in the ICC World Cup 2023. However, doubts linger about their leadership styles.
Replacing the versatile all-rounder Hardik Pandya poses a complex challenge for GT. In the upcoming auction, Gujarat Titans aim to fill 8 slots (including 2 overseas), and their next captain may emerge from the pool of released players.
How GT Will Enter In IPL Auction 2024?
Slot: 8 (Overseas 2)
Purse: 38.15 crore
Retained players: David Miller, Wriddhiman Saha, Shubman Gill, Matthew Wade, Kane Williamson, Abhinav Manohar, Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmad, Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, Josh Little, Mohit Sharma, Sai Sudharsan, Darshan Nalkande, Vijay Shankar, Jayant Yadav, Rahul Tewatia
5 Players Whom Gujrat Titans Can Target In IPL 2024
1. Travis Head
Travis Head, known for his recent success in short-format cricket, became even more appealing after his match-winning century in the 2023 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup final. The Titans, in need of an aggressive opening batter, are eyeing Head as the perfect fit. Despite not being traditionally known for early aggression like Gill, Head’s style aligns well with the team’s requirements for IPL 2024.
In 23 T20I matches for Australia, Head has scored 554 runs at an average of 29.15, with a notable strike rate of 146.17. His recent performances, including a quick 91 off 48 balls against South Africa, make him a sought-after player in the upcoming auction.
2. Shahrukh Khan
Titans, despite having Abhinav Manohar as an option, might consider adding Shahrukh Khan to strengthen their middle order, and the team’s budget doesn’t seem to be an issue. While Shahrukh didn’t live up to his Rs 9 crore price tag with only 156 runs for Punjab Kings in IPL 2023, his impressive strike rate of 165.96 addresses a specific need for Gujarat, easing the pressure on Rahul Tewatia.
Post-IPL, Shahrukh played a crucial role in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, guiding Lyca Kovai Kings to their second consecutive title. Despite an average of 22.16, his striking rate of 190 makes him an attractive prospect for several IPL teams.
3. Harvik Desai
If Gujarat decides to go for an overseas opener instead of Wriddhiman Saha, they’ll need a new wicketkeeper. Fortunately, they have a great local option in Harvik Desai.
In the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Harvik stood out as Saurashtra’s top scorer and the tournament’s seventh-highest run-getter, amassing 336 runs in seven matches. His impressive average of 67.20 and a striking rate of 175 make him an excellent replacement for the wicketkeeping role, providing Gujarat with a strong and reliable option behind the stumps.
4. Shardul Thakur
Titans might struggle to find a direct replacement for Pandya in the auction since there’s no Indian all-rounder of similar caliber among the 333 players. However, if they prefer an Indian cricketer contributing in all aspects, Shardul Thakur could be a good choice.
Gujarat bid for Thakur in the IPL 2022 auction, and their coach, Ashish Nehra, has often praised him. Despite not having a standout 2023 season with 89 wickets and 286 runs, Thakur remains a valuable asset that many teams wouldn’t want to pass up on.
5. Mitchell Starc
Lastly, and maybe the most crucial, Gujarat is likely to spend a significant chunk of their budget on overseas fast bowlers. A standout option is Mitchell Starc, making a return to the IPL 2024 after nine years. Starc is expected to attract interest from various teams, but Gujarat, with ample resources, could secure him.
Starc is in good form, claiming 16 wickets at the World Cup. While he hasn’t played much T20 cricket recently to manage his workload for the World Cup, with the T20 tournament scheduled for the upcoming season, we might witness Starc delivering his best in this format.
Also Read: IPL AUCTION 2024: WHAT WILL BE TOP TARGETS OF SRH
