It’s been a week since the IPL 2022 mega auction was completed. We still have the hangover of those two days that marks the IPL’s beginning for the season. We’ve already reviewed Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings teams. Do give a read if you haven’t already. In this blog, we review the team built by the latest arrival among the IPL franchises – Gujarat Titans. The Ahmedabad-based franchise picked 3 draft players – Hardik Pandya (C), Rashid Khan, and Shubman Gill. That left them with Rs. 53 Cr in the purse while going into the auction.
A look at the final squad may suggest that the side is covering all-basis. However, a lack of match-winners seems to be a concern. That may prove costly in crunch situations during the series. It seemed as if the new franchise have hired brand new coaches too. Gujarat is heavily reliant on youngsters and uncapped players than experience.
STAR PICKS – UNRETAINED
In the Indian contingent, Gujarat Titans have shown their faith in the youth more than the experience. Barring Mohd Shami and Wriddhiman Saha, there is no standout international T20 performer. Saha too doesn’t have a good T20I record barring a couple of IPL seasons. This strategy is actually quite baffling. Moreover, the franchise spending such a big amount on Rahul Tewatia was bit of a shock too. Tewatia does not have any notable performance other than the PBKS game in Sharjah last season. The likes of Vijay Shankar and Varun Aaron have struggled to be consistent in their careers.
Read More: Delhi Capitals – IPL Mega Auction Reviews
OVERSEAS SELECTION
In the overseas players picked during the mega auction, three names stood out – Jason Roy, Lockie Ferguson, and David Miller. It is a subjet of investigation how Gujarat stole Jason Roy at his base price of Rs. 2 Cr. Probably the best opener in the white-ball circuit, the Surrey batsman can single-handedly destroy the opposition on his day. He showed his class in his first PSL game last week with a century. The raw pacer in Lockie Ferguson is a vital block in Gujarat’s bowling attack. The trio of Shami, Lockie, and Rashid can control the game for Gujarat.
I am not really convinced with David Miller’s selection though. Picked during the reauction, Miller too has a similar record as Tewatia. Barring a couple of games, he struggles to make an impact throughout the season. He didn’t have too many games for Rajasthan last season. Could they have spent this amount on some reliable middle-order batsman rather? Only time will answer that question.
POTENTIAL BREAKOUTS
Abhinav Sadarangani
Not following the Indian domestic cricket from the close quarters in a while, I was surprised when a bidding war started for Abhinav Sadarangani. Debuted for Karnataka in SMAT 2021 season, Abhinav can handle the pressure while scoring at a brisk pace. It seems the Titans have taken a bet on this ability of the middle-order player. Going by the stats and the hype around, Abhinav can turn out to be a big player for Gujarat.
The next one is Abhinav Sadrangani
There's a bidding war for him interestingly#IPLAuction l #CricketBloggers
— Cricket Bloggers (@CricBloggers) February 12, 2022
R Sai Kishore
Find of the TNPL, the much talked about Chennai boy has spent last IPL season in CSK camp. No wonder he’ll have learned some trades in the yellow shade. Those are reflected in his bowling stats. He has 43 wickets at an astonishing Economy of 5.46 in his T20 career. Gujarat would be hoping to continue this run when he turns out for the new franchise.
Probable XI
Considering the mix of experience and youth, this is what my starting XI will look like. There can be a debate between Saha and Wade, but Saha would be more preferred since it allows Miller to slot in the middle. Miller will any day be preferred over Wade as a specialist batsman. However, the challenge in this team will be the batting position of Saha. His SR is good during powerplay overs but melts down post that. So, slotting him at 3 would be a risk if the wicket doesn’t fall in the first 6 overs.
- Jason Roy
- Shubman Gill
- Wriddhiman Saha
- David Miller
- Abhinav Sadarangani
- Hardik Pandya (C)
- Rahul Tewatia
- R Sai Kishore/Vijay Shankar
- Rashid Khan
- Lockie Ferguson
- Mohd Shami
What do you think of the team built by Gujarat Titans?
What is your review of the team built by Gujarat Titans in 2022? Do share and comment in the comments section. You can also write us on our Twitter and Instagram handles. And reach to me directly at my Twitter handle Andy Desai. Please do not forget to share this blog with other cricket fans.
