Mohammed Shami Ruled Out; Gujarat Titans' Probable Playing XI For IPL 2024

Mohammed Shami will miss IPL 2024 [X.com]Mohammed Shami will miss IPL 2024 [X.com]

In a massive setback for Gujarat Titans, veteran speedster Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of IPL 2024 due to injury. Notably, Shami sustained a right heel injury during the 2023 World Cup, keeping him out of action for a considerable period of time. He recently underwent a heel surgery and won't be able to participate in the tournament's upcoming edition. 

However, despite missing Shami, the Titans have a robust lineup, a mix of experience and youth. Following Hardik Pandya's all-cash trade to MI, the one-time champions named Shubman Gill their captain for the marquee event. 

So, alongside Gill, veteran keeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha will open the batting, as the duo formed some scintillating stands in the IPL last year. 

Although they have Kane Williamson, it could be beneficial for GT to slot Sai Sudharsan at number three, as he enjoyed stellar success at the top order last season. Batting at number three, Sudharsan has slammed 493 IPL runs at an average of 49.30 and a strike rate of 137.33. 

The Titans' middle order is bolstered by Vijay Shankar, David Miller and Rahul Tewatia, with the former two playing as designated finishers. 

Abhinav Manohar and Rashid Khan add batting depth to their lineup, while Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav are expected to lead the pace battery alongside either Joshua Little or Spencer Johnson. 

Meanwhile, Williamson will likely be among the impact substitutes alongside Shahrukh Khan, Noor Ahmad, Azmatullah Omarzai and Sai Kishore. 

The franchise can use any of these players as per the match situation. For example, if they suffer a top-order collapse, Williamson might be their go-to man to stabilise the innings. Similarly, they can use Noor and Omarzai as specialist spinner and pacer, respectively. 


Gujarat Titans' Probable Playing XI for IPL 2024

Shubman Gill (C), Wriddhiman Saha, B Sai Sudharsan, Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Abhinav Manohar, Rashid Khan, Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Joshua Little/Spencer Johnson

Impact substitutes: Kane Williamson, Shahrukh Khan, Noor Ahmad, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sai Kishore