Gujarat Titans Team Preview IPL 2024: Established in 2022, it did not take too long for Gujarat Titans to make their mark on the IPL. What better way to introduce oneself than to come in and clinch the title away from everyone else on your first try? Since then, the Titans have continued to carry on their dominance, establishing themselves as one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, as several youngsters came to the fore. At the same time, out-of-favour veterans also rose and shone brightly.
Gujarat’s captain-of-choice and talisman leader Hardik Pandya was their anchor. Under the fiery all-rounder’s leadership, GT almost had all bases covered before the season, and their IPL campaign despite the five-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the final, was a near-perfect one.
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But in the biggest shock move of all, Pandya departed from Gujarat for familiar territory yet again, as he took to the maidans of Mumbai once again, following a cash trade. With news of talisman bowler Mohammad Shami being ruled out for the entire IPL season as well, the reigns have been handed over to none other than the swashbuckling batter Shubman Gill, who will aim to lead the Gujarat squad to the promised land yet again.
How They Fared Last Season:
GT followed up their inaugural season’s success with yet another dominant run in the IPL last year as well, claiming 10 wins out of a possible 14 and the top spot in the table with some ease.
But, the lack of experience reared its ugly head in the playoffs as they fell short to stalwart champions and bastions of the IPL, the Chennai Super Kings in the first qualifier. The team battled its way to the final with a dominant 64-run win against Mumbai Indians, but once again, ‘Thala’ Dhoni and his squad proved to be just a little too much to handle in a gripping final that went down to the last ball.
Players to Watch Out For:
Shubman Gill: It goes without saying that the classy opener is one that everyone should be wary of. After a mammoth season last year, where Gill notched up a staggering 890 runs, one would expect a drop-off of some sort. But, Gill has only aged finely with time, as he went on to cement himself as one of the most consistent and run-hungry batters in world cricket over the past year for India, especially in the ODI format and lately with his proving knocks against England in the Test format as well. As the newly appointed captain as well, the stakes have never been higher for Gill, but the calm and collected opener can be expected to lead his team down victory road.
Shahrukh Khan: GT also secured the services of middle-order batter Shahrukh Khan for Rs. 7.40 crore, to further shore up an already deep batting order. The 27-year-old hard-hitter is fully capable of producing moments of ruthless aggression with the bat and that is exactly what Gujarat will be expecting out of him. The major demon he will have to exercise though is his lack of consistency, which in turn has mellowed down his presence. The pinch-hitter has the potential to face fast paces across all pitching conditions and is a big hitter with bat, and astonishing with right arm off-break. All eyes will be on the big man to stamp his mark on the league this season.
Spencer Johnson: In the absence of veteran pacer Mohammad Shami who breathed utter fire with the ball for GT last season, scalping 28 wickets in the last campaign, the onus will now be placed on the newly-signed and exciting Australian pacer to take over and attempt to achieve the same. Bought for a whopping Rs 10 crore in the auction, the 28-year-old’s hit-the-deck style of fiery pace could make him an apt option for GT to utilize the same for their endeavors.
Gujarat Titans Squad for IPL 2024:
David Miller, Shubman Gill (c), Kane Williamson, Abhinav Manohar, Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Matthew Wade, Wriddhiman Saha, Robin Minz, Vijay Shankar, Jayant Yadav, Rahul Tewatia, Azmatullah Omarzai, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Shami (ruled out), Noor Ahmad, R Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, Joshua Little, Mohit Sharma, Darshan Nalkande, Umesh Yadav, Sushant Mishra, Kartik Tyagi, Spencer Johnson
Gujarat Titans’ Best Starting XI:
Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Kane Williamson, Sai Sudharshan, Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Umesh Yadav, Spencer Johnson.
Gujarat Titans’ Fixtures for IPL 2024:
Match 5: Gujarat Titans v Mumbai Indians, Sunday, March 24, 2.30pm, Ahmedabad
Match 7: Chennai Super Kings v Gujarat Titans, Tuesday, March 26, 6.30pm, Chennai
Match 12: Gujarat Titans v Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sunday, March 31, 2.30pm, Ahmedabad
Match 17: Gujarat Titans v Punjab Kings, Thursday, April 4, 6.30pm, Ahmedabad
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