The IPL 2022 champions, Gujarat Titans, bolstered their pace bowling department by acquiring 8 players in the IPL 2024 auction. This strengthening move included notable additions such as Umesh Yadav and the Australian pacer Spencer Johnson.

Shubman Gill will take the helm as the franchise’s leader, succeeding Hardik Pandya, who parted ways earlier in the season. The franchise proudly named the young cricketer as the captain, reflecting a sense of pride and honor. Gill had a stellar year as an international cricketer in 2023, and it will be intriguing to observe his leadership in this new role.

Gujarat Titans wisely retained the core players instrumental in their previous championship victory, including Gill, David Miller, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, and Mohit Sharma, who now form the backbone of the team.

The team made valuable additions with players such as Umesh Yadav, Shahrukh Khan, Robin Minz, Sushant Mishra, and Kartik Tyagi. The management expressed a keen interest in incorporating promising Indian talents from domestic cricket, and only time will reveal how they harness the potential of these skilled players.

Spencer Johnson and Shahrukh Khan emerged as the team’s most expensive acquisitions at 20 crores and 7.40 crores, respectively. With a compact squad and ample backups, this article aims to predict the best XI, considering the team’s dynamic composition.

See Also:IPL 2024: Best Playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Post Mini Auction

The potential playing XI for GT in IPL 2024 features:

1. Shubman Gill (C): Leading the franchise, Gill opens the batting. The Orange Cap winner from the previous season aims to continue his impressive form and set a strong foundation at the top.
2. Wriddhiman Saha (WK): Designated as the opener, Saha provides quick starts to the Titans consistently. The veteran keeper’s role remains crucial in setting the tone for the innings.
3. Kane Williamson: Batting at three, Williamson becomes a central figure in the lineup. Returning after missing the previous season due to injury, the Kiwi skipper adds experience and stability.
4. Vijay Shankar: Slotting in at four, Shankar aims to make a significant impact in the middle order. After an impressive performance in IPL 2023, he looks to continue the momentum.
5. David Miller: Batting at five, Miller, the experienced campaigner, serves as the designated finisher. His adaptability and knowledge of different pitches make him a valuable asset.
6. Shahrukh Khan: Adding muscle to the batting lineup, Shahrukh Khan bats at six. Roped in for a significant amount, he aims to bounce back from a lean season and contribute substantially.
7. Rahul Tewatia: Slotting in at seven, Tewatia, known for his cameos, plays the role of a finisher. His ability to provide quick runs in the lower order adds depth to the lineup.
8. Rashid Khan: Batting at eight, Rashid Khan, a handy lower-order batsman, serves as one of GT’s main strike bowlers. With 27 wickets in the previous season, he aims to continue his bowling prowess.
9. Mohammed Shami: Leading the pace attack, Shami has been in supreme form, finishing with 28 wickets in IPL 2023. His ability to strike early and in the death overs makes him a key asset.
10. Mohit Sharma: Serving as the second Indian pacer, Mohit Sharma specializes in the death overs. With 27 wickets from the previous season, he continues as a death overs specialist.
11. Spencer Johnson: Roped in for 10 crores, Johnson, the left-arm pacer, adds strength to the pace attack. Making his debut in T20 leagues, his talent and potential are key factors in the team’s decision to bid for him.

Impact Sub: Noor Ahmed: Serving as the impact sub, Noor Ahmed, the Afghan leggie, aims to make an impact with his bowling. Finishing with 16 wickets from 13 games in the previous season, he plays a crucial role when introduced into the lineup.

With a strong mix of experienced players and exciting talents, Gujarat Titans aim to build on their IPL 2022 success. The predicted XI showcases a balanced team, and the impact sub adds versatility to the squad.

GT IPL 2024 FULL SQUAD

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.