The Gujarat Titans, under Hardik Pandya’s leadership, emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the IPL, winning the title in 2022 and finishing runners-up in 2023. However, their bowling attack seems to be missing a key component in the ongoing 2024 season.
Shubman Gill’s takeover of the captaincy after Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians has ushered in a new era for the Titans. While they’ve secured three wins in six matches, a strong bowling performance, a hallmark of their previous success, seems elusive.
Rashid Khan: Missing Shami’s Impact, Not Pandya’s
While some might expect him to miss Pandya’s leadership, star spinner Rashid Khan identifies a different absentee as a significant void. “Shami played a main role for us in the last two seasons,” Khan explained in a recent interview. “The way he delivered with both the new and old ball made mine and others’ job easier, especially in the middle overs.”
Mohammed Shami, who suffered a knee injury and underwent surgery, has been sidelined since last year’s ODI World Cup, leaving a big hole in the Titans’ bowling attack. Khan acknowledges Shami’s influence: “Shami’s absence has meant the bowlers have had to take extra responsibility this season.â
Rashid Back in Rhythm After Surgery
Khan himself underwent back surgery last year, causing him to miss the India series in January. However, he assures fans that he’s back in form. “We have started the season with a positive mindset,” he said. “Everyone is taking responsibility and delivering their best for the team.”
Despite missing Shami, Khan expresses confidence in the current bowling lineup. “T20 cricket is about making the right decisions at the right time,” he says. “Players like Lockie Ferguson, Darshan Nalkande, Azmat Omarzai, Umesh Yadav, and especially Mohit Sharma have all delivered well.â
While the Titans haven’t quite replicated their dominant bowling performances from the previous seasons, Rashid Khan’s comments showcase a team spirit and a belief in the current bowling unit’s capabilities. Whether they can find a way to fully compensate for Shami’s absence and continue their climb up the IPL points table remains to be seen.
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