Gujarat Titans (GT) have bolstered their pace attack with the signing of Sandeep Warrier as a replacement for the injured Mohammed Shami.
Kerala seamer joins Titans bowling unit
Sandeep Warrier, a 32-year-old fast bowler from Kerala who now represents Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket, brings limited IPL experience to the Titans. He has played just five matches in the tournament, all with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) between 2019 and 2021. While at other franchises like Royal Challengers Bangalore (2013-15) and Mumbai Indians (2023), he failed to secure a spot in the playing XI.
In Gujarat, Warrier joins a crowded pace attack that includes established names like Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma and Joshua Little. Youngsters Kartik Tyagi, Darshan Nalkande and Sushant Mishra also feature in the Titans’ bowling group.
Mohammed Shami’s absence extends
Shami’s injury woes continue as he recovers from ankle surgery in London. The surgery sidelined him not only from IPL 2024 but also from the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. Reports suggest he might return to action by late 2024.
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Early season challenges for Titans
The Titans face additional challenges at the start of the season. Wicket-keeper batter Matthew Wade will miss the first two games due to his commitment with Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield final.
New skipper, familiar Foe
Shubman Gill took over the captaincy reins from Hardik Pandya as the latter returned to Mumbai Indians (MI) on the 2024 IPL Retention Day. Interestingly, the Titans will begin their campaign against MI on Sunday.