Three players who can replace Hardik Pandya as captain of Gujarat Titans for IPL 2024

The Gujarat Titans (GT) were introduced as one of the new franchises ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season. They were along with Lucknow Super Giants, the ninth and tenth side in the tournament. From the onset, the franchise looked rock solid in their management and the way they conducted players on and off the field. Hardik Pandya as the captain of the side and also the fact that he even belonged to that part of the country helped the franchise attract all the local support.

The team were filled with megastars like David Miller, Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami etc. It was with sheer dominance that Gujarat Titans won their first title in their first-ever appearance back in 2022. In addition, GT finished as runners-up in the 2023 edition of IPL as they lost to Chennai Super Kings in the finals. It is to be kept in mind that these achievements have all come under Hardik Pandya as captain. Hence, with Pandya leaving the team and joining Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024, the team management will have to look into it and search for reliable options to lead GT. Let us look at the three best possible options available to them:

#3. Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill in IPL 2023 (Source: Twitter)

One choice upfront for the team is the young and dynamic opener of the India cricket team, Shubman Gill. Gill used to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in previous IPL seasons but since the introduction of GT in IPL he has been playing in GT. After having a mediocre 2022 season with the franchise, in 2023 Gill wreaked havoc against every team he played against.

The talismanic opener secured the IPL 2023 Orange Cap by accumulating 890 runs in 17 matches during the season. He displayed outstanding form towards the end of the tournament, hitting three centuries in the last five games. Gill joined the ranks as only the third batter to amass over 800 runs in a single IPL season. Additionally, he notched the second-highest run total by a batter in a single edition of the tournament, second only to Virat Kohli’s 973 runs in 2016. With such a surreal number and the fact that he is also a permanent member of the team, he can be a great option to lead the team.

#2. Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan, an Afghan cricketer, has been a notable presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Renowned for his outstanding leg-spin bowling abilities, he has been part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in past IPL seasons.

Rashid Khan has achieved considerable success in the IPL, consistently delivering impressive performances, primarily with the ball, and occasionally making contributions with the bat. It’s important to note that player affiliations with specific IPL teams may undergo changes due to auctions, transfers, or other variables. With the team management to release Rashid in upcoming years, he can be a good option. It is also to be kept in mind that the star leg spinner has also led the side in the absence of Hardik Pandya and even has captained his national Afghanistan team.

#1. Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson in IPL 2023 (Source: Twitter)

One of the most prominent and tempting options that the GTs think management would be looking into is Kane Williamson. Kane joined the GT side in the 2023 edition of IPL but was unfortunately injured in the very first game of the tournament which made him ruled out of the entire IPL 2023.

Having participated in previous IPL seasons, Kane Williamson has been a member of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and even served as the team’s captain. Recognized for his outstanding batting prowess and adept captaincy, it’s important to note that a player’s affiliation with specific IPL teams is subject to change due to auctions, transfers, or other influencing factors. He even has rich experience leading the SRH team in several seasons of IPL while his national New Zealand team. In the recently concluded, ODI World Cup, he took the team into the semi-final stage.

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