2024 IPL: As we gear up for IPL 2024, Gujarat Titans find themselves in a bit of a pickle with Mohammed Shami sidelined and Hardik Pandya now playing for Mumbai.
The upcoming IPL 2024, just a month away, brings a shadow over the hopes of Gujarat Titans, who were champions in 2022 and runners-up in 2023. There’s a big blow as Mohammed Shami won’t be playing due to a left ankle injury, confirmed by BCCI sources. Adding to that, Shami is heading for surgery in the UK.
2024 IPL
Mohammad Shami has been out of the game since the ODI World Cup last year, missing the South Africa tour and the current Test series against England due to injuries. Gujarat Titans were already reeling from the loss of Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians, who made the move before last year’s auction. More info about 2024 IPL: Big setback for Gujarat Titans! Star fast bowler ‘Ha’ won’t be playing in IPL.
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Shami played in the World Cup with a brave face despite the ankle injury, but now, proper treatment is necessary, and he might take several months to recover. With the T20 World Cup following IPL, there’s uncertainty about Shami’s performance there, given the limited time for recovery.
STORY | Mohammed Shami ruled out of IPL, to undergo ankle surgery
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 22, 2024
READ: https://t.co/EVaBF7xJHP
(PTI File Photo) pic.twitter.com/siU78h1vz5
Gujarat Titans heavily depended on Shami’s skills since 2022, where he played a crucial role in reaching the finals. In IPL 2022, he took 20 wickets in 14 matches, and in 2023, he was the top wicket-taker with 28 wickets in 17 matches. Now, his absence leaves a gap. Shubman Gill steps in as captain after Hardik’s departure, and the team is on the lookout for Shami’s replacement.
Beyond Shami, Gujarat Titans have experienced bowlers like Mohit Sharma and Umesh Yadav. Young talents like Darshan Nalkande, Sushant Mishra, and Karthik Tyagi, along with last year’s performer Josh Little, contribute to the team’s depth. They also added Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson in the auction. To fill Hardik’s shoes, Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai, a versatile player, has joined the squad, bringing his fast-bowling skills to the table.
