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In a significant blow to the finalist of the 2023 edition, Gujarat Titans’ (GT) preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, veteran seamer Mohammed Shami has been ruled out due to a left ankle injury. Shami, a linchpin in the Titans’ bowling lineup, will be sorely missed for his knack of providing crucial breakthroughs and maintaining composure in pressure situations.
Void in Gujarat Titans’ bowling lineup
Shami’s absence creates a noticeable void in the Titans’ bowling department, necessitating prompt and strategic adjustments by the team management as they gear up for the challenges of the IPL 2024 season. His experience and skill set make him a key asset, and his exclusion prompts the Titans to explore alternative options to maintain a balanced squad.
Injury forces surgery in the UK
The decision to exclude Shami from IPL 2024 stems from a left ankle injury that requires surgical intervention. The 33-year-old seamer, having traveled to London in late January, initially attempted to address the issue with specialized ankle injections. However, the injections failed to yield the desired results, leading to the unavoidable conclusion that surgery is the only viable option. Shami is set to undergo the medical procedure in the UK, marking a challenging phase in his cricketing journey.
Imminent surgery raises questions for Titans
With Shami undergoing surgery and facing a period of recovery, the Titans face questions about structuring their bowling lineup, finding an apt replacement, and adapting their strategy for the upcoming IPL campaign. The team management’s ability to navigate these challenges will play a crucial role in determining the Titans’ performance in the IPL 2024 season.
Also READ: Gujarat Titans full squad: Complete list of GT players after IPL 2024 auction
Top 5 contenders to replace Mohammed Shami in Gujarat Titans’ squad for IPL 2024:
1. Arzan Nagwaswalla
In the quest to fill the void left by the seasoned Shami, the Titans could turn to the promising Arzan Nagwaswalla, a 27-year-old left-arm fast bowler from Gujarat who has been turning heads with his consistent and impactful performances in domestic cricket. Nagwaswalla’s unique prowess lies in his ability to swing the ball both ways, adding a tantalizing unpredictability to his deliveries, and his knack for generating pace brings a fresh and dynamic element to the Titans’ bowling attack.
Having been a standout performer for Gujarat, Nagwaswalla boasts an impressive T20 record with 48 wickets in 33 matches, featuring a stellar best of 6/18 and an economy of 7.10. His excellence extends to List-A games, where he has scalped 63 wickets in 36 games, showcasing his versatility and reliability across formats. Nagwaswalla has been a consistent presence in India A squads and has even earned a call-up to the senior India team, underscoring the recognition of his talent at the national level.
Despite being yet to make his debut in the IPL, Nagwaswalla’s time might finally arrive in IPL 2024. The Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy saw him shine with a remarkable 13 wickets in 8 games, featuring a best of 6/13, showcasing his ability to make breakthroughs in the shortest format. As the IPL beckons, Nagwaswalla could stand on the cusp of a potentially breakthrough season, ready to unleash his left-arm swing artistry on the grand stage of T20 cricket.
2. Chintan Gaja
In the pursuit of a worthy successor to the seasoned Shami, the Titans might turn their attention to the talented Chintan Gaja, a seam bowler with roots deep in the cricketing landscape of Gujarat. Gaja’s claim to fame rests on his deceptive ability to move the ball and orchestrate crucial breakthroughs, establishing himself as a consistent force in the realm of domestic cricket.
Honing his skills in the crucible of the elite Ranji Trophy tournament 2024, Gaja left an indelible mark with an impressive tally of 32 wickets in seven fixtures, showcasing his mettle with an average of 22. The grueling nature of the Ranji Trophy provided the perfect canvas for Gaja to exhibit the caliber he possesses, and his performances underscored his effectiveness as a wicket-taking seamer.
His knack for thriving in pressure situations aligns seamlessly with the demands of the IPL, making him a valuable asset poised to make impactful contributions to the team’s campaign. As the Titans seek to navigate the challenges of the upcoming IPL season, Gaja stands ready to unleash his seam bowling symphony on the grand stage, aiming to fill the sizable shoes left by Shami and emerge as a linchpin in the Titans’ quest for success, if gets selected as a replacement.
3. Priyajitsing Jadeja
In the quest for a dynamic replacement for the seasoned Shami, the Titans could turn their gaze towards the young and promising pace-bowling all-rounder, Priyajitsing Jadeja. His ability to contribute effectively with the bat and make meaningful contributions in the field enhances his overall utility to the team.
Jadeja’s recent exploits in domestic T20 competitions serve as a compelling testament to his capabilities. The all-rounder’s knack for stifling opposition batters, coupled with his knack for taking wickets, positions him as a strategic choice to complement the Titans’ bowling strategy. His standout performance in the Ranji Trophy 2024, where he claimed an impressive 18 wickets, including a stellar 10-wicket haul against Punjab, underscores his potential as a game-changer.
4. Basil Thampi
In the pursuit of assembling a formidable pace arsenal, the Titans could turn their attention to the fiery Basil Thampi as the designated successor to the Shami.
The Kerala pacer brings a wealth of experience from the IPL arena, where he has showcased his adaptability to the demands of the shortest format. Thampi’s exploits in various T20 leagues further underscore his credentials as a T20 specialist, ready to make a resounding impact in the upcoming season.
In the recently concluded Ranji Trophy 2024 season, Thampi exhibited a fine display of rhythm, providing early breakthroughs for Kerala even on flat wickets. The fast-medium bowler concluded the season as Kerala’s second-highest wicket-taker, notching an impressive tally of 24 wickets at an average of 24.20. Thampi’s late burst against Bengal secured a vital win, while his incisive spell with the old ball after tea came close to steering Kerala to victory against Andhra.
A rejuvenated Thampi showcased improved fitness levels, bowling extended spells with ferocity against opposition batters. This season could emerged as one of his most productive if selected as a replacement, with notable performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, claiming 14 and 11 wickets, respectively. Thampi’s rediscovered mojo and evident enjoyment in his craft position him as a valuable asset for the Titans.
Known for his aggressive bowling style and a penchant for picking wickets in the death overs, Thampi might assumes the critical role of filling the void left by Shami.
5. Mohammed Kaif
Introducing Mohammad Kaif, the younger brother of injured Shami, as a replacement underscored the potential for familial talent in the Titans’ setup. In 6 games in Ranji this year, he picked up 17 wickets. He’s also handy with the bat, as he showed by scoring 45 hard runs on the green track against Uttar Pradesh’s bowling, led by Indian experienced international Bhuvneshwar Kumar. While stepping into his brother’s shoes may carry expectations, Kaif has been honing his skills and showcasing promise in domestic cricket. His understanding of the game and could provide the opportunity for Kaif to make a mark in the IPL could be a compelling storyline for the team and fans alike.
