GT Playing XI for IPL 2024 features a very strong batting and bowling lineup, but lacks quality all-rounders in the side.
After an impressive inaugural season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2022 during which the Gujarat Titans (GT) secured their first IPL title, they came close to lifting it a second time in IPL 2023 only to be denied by Ravindra Jadeja’s late heroics who helped the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their fifth title. GT is now preparing for a strong showing in the upcoming IPL 2024 season, albeit without the presence of Hardik Pandya.
Following the IPL 2024 Auctions, GT have assembled a well-rounded squad, strategically reinforcing key areas to enhance their team. With a roster comprising 25 players, including 8 overseas talents, the Titans have notably strengthened their lineup.
GT squad for IPL 2024: David Miller, Shubman Gill (c), Matthew Wade, Wriddhiman Saha, Kane Williamson, Abhinav Manohar, B. Sai Sudharsan, Darshan Nalkande, Vijay Shankar, Jayant Yadav, Rahul Tewatia, Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmad, Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, Joshua Little, Mohit Sharma, Azmatullah Omarzai, Umesh Yadav, Shahrukh Khan, Sushant Mishra, Kartik Tyagi, Manav Suthar, Spencer Johnson, Robin Minz.
Wriddhiman Saha (wk)
Shubman Gill (c)
Sai Sudarshan
Azmatullah Omarzai
David Miller
Rahul Tewatia
Shahrukh Khan
Rashid Khan
Mohammed Shami
Mohit Sharma
Spencer Johnson
Vijay Shankar (Impact player)
Wicket-keeper: Gujarat Titans have two wicket-keepers in Matthew Wade and Wriddhiman Saha. Both are good options to challenge each other for the position but the Indian is expected to get the preference which lets the selectors to slot in another overseas player in the lineup.
Overseas Players: Afghanistan’s all-rounders Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan are two automatic picks for the franchise for their versatile skillset.Rashid Khan is set to lead the spin attack, receiving support from compatriot Noor Ahmad. Known for his leg-break bowling, Rashid poses a threat to opposing batters, while Noor demonstrated his wrist-spin prowess in the 2023 season. The Afghan duo aims to trouble batters once again for GT in the 2024 season.
David Miller is expected to play a crucial role for GT in most IPL 2024 matches. Following the departure of Hardik Pandya, Miller has become a vital middle-order batsman for the team. Pandya’s absence leaves Miller with added responsibility, and he showcased his capability during the recent ODI World Cup, contributing crucial knocks for South Africa in the lower order including a century in the semi-finals against Australia.
GT made a significant investment of INR 10 crore to acquire Spencer Johnson, a 28-year-old left-arm fast-medium bowler from Adelaide. Johnson gained attention for his record-breaking performance in The Hundred 2023 tournament. In T20 cricket, he has taken 17 wickets in 20 innings with an average of 30.23 and an economy rate of 7.84. Having also played for the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the Major Cricket League (MLC), Johnson aims to replicate his success in the upcoming IPL season.
GT will also be heavily boosted with the return of Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson into the setup. Williamson, who had to miss the last edition after picking up an injury in the first match of the season will provide the GT lineup with a much-needed impetus.
Impact Players: Vijay Shankar/Umesh Yadav
Hits:
Misses:
How does the squad of the 2023 runners-up look for the upcoming IPL 2024?#GujaratTitans pic.twitter.com/KSNuJoo883
— CricXtasy (@CricXtasy) December 19, 2023
For more updates, follow CricXtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
