Going into the IPL 2024 auction in December 2023, the Gujarat Titans squad suffered a huge blow. Their skipper and all-rounder Hardik Pandya was traded to Mumbai Indians in a surprising move. Pandya’s exclusion could prove to be a big loss for them but it also meant that Gujarat had the biggest purse (INR 38.15 crore) going into the IPL 2024 auction.
It would be safe to say that the Titans made great use of that money, making some notable acquisitions. The Titans tried to bolster their Indian fast bowling battery by picking Umesh Yadav for INR 5.8 crore. Besides, they also managed to include Kartik Tyagi for INR 60 lakh.
Umesh Yadav’s Inclusion Would Bolster Pace Unit
The addition of Umesh Yadav could give the leverage of bowling in the powerplay as well as at the death of Mohammad Shami. Mohit Sharma bowled beautifully in the last season and, thus, you might not see an overseas fast bowler included in the playing XI for some games.
For the all-rounders’ role, they have managed to acquire Azmatullah Omarzai for just INR 50 lakh. The Afghanistani all-rounder impressed one and all with his all-round exploits in the 2023 World Cup.
For the overseas pace bowling option, the Titans broke the bank for Australia’s left-arm pacer, Spencer Johnson (INR 10 crore). They were involved in a bidding war with Delhi Capitals but successfully claimed the all-rounder in the end.
The Indian uncapped players that also set their way into the Gujarat Titans camp are Robin Minz (INR 3.6 crore), Sushant Mishra (INR 2.2 crore), and Manav Suthar (INR 20 lakh).
Gujarat wanted an Indian batter, who could finish the innings alongside the likes of Rahul Tewatia and David Miller. Perhaps, they got the best man to do it as Shahrukh Khan has been brought into the side for a sum of INR 7.4 crore.
Shubman Gill Appointed Gujarat Titans’ Captain
Following the departure of Hardik Pandya, Gujarat Titans have appointed Shubman Gill as their new skipper for the upcoming season. Gujarat Titans’ head coach, Ashish Nehra, earlier, praised Gill’s leadership skills and assured that he is the right man to lead the team forward.
Gujarat Titans didn’t invest money in acquiring an additional opener, which means both Gill and Saha should continue to open the innings. Kane Williamson missed out last season after playing just one game due to injury. He should be available for the entirety of the season this time around.
Gujarat Titans’ Squad For IPL 2024
Openers: Shubman Gill (capt), Wriddhiman Saha (wk)
Middle order: Kane Williamson, Abhinav Manohar, David Miller, Sai Sudharsan, Matthew Wade (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Robin Minz (wk)
Allrounders: Rahul Tewatia, Jayant Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Azmatullah Omarzai
Fast bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma, Darshan Nalkande, Umesh Yadav, Sushant Mishra, Kartik Tyagi, Josh Little, Spencer Johnson
Spinners: Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, R Sai Kishore, Manav Suthar
