Mohammed Shami on Tuesday put out a statement revealing his fitness status. The 33-year-old is in UK and has just undergone a successful procedure to his heel. The Indian star hasn’t played cricket since November when he was part of the ODI World Cup.
This latest injury blow has given Gujarat Titans fans and team management a huge jolt. It has been confirmed that Shami will not play any cricket for the next few months. The cricketer has ruled himself out of the upcoming season of IPL 2024.
Here are the five potential replacements for Mohammed Shami ahead of IPL 2024
5- Mohammed Kaif – Bengal
Mohammed Kaif (Source-Twitter)
The younger sibling of Mohammed Shami has been in the news for his wicket-taking skills. Bengal has become the pace producing factory of India with players like Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep. Mohammed Kaif’s recent exploits have made cricket fans sit up and take notice. The 27-year-old can be an ideal Mohammed Shami replacement for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024.
4- Ishan Porel – Bengal
Ishan Porel (Source-Twitter)
A member of the Under-19 World Cup winning team in 2018, Ishan Porel hasn’t been able to cut his teeth so far. The injury to Mohammed Shami can present the young pacer a new lease of life during IPL 2024. Ishan Porel with his wicket-taking skills can be an ideal Mohammed Shami replacement. The pacer may lack that extra yard of pace but has the maturity of a veteran.
3- Sandeep Warrier – Tamil Nadu
Sandeep Warrier (Source-Twitter)
32-year-old Sandeep Warrier is an ageless warrior in the Indian domestic circuit. Gujarat Titans may very well take the punt on his experience ahead of the upcoming season. His ability to swing the new ball at a good pace makes him an ideal Mohammed Shami replacement. Mumbai Indians had parted ways with the pacer ahead of the IPL 2024 Auctions.
2 – Varun Aaron – Jharkhand
Varun Aaron (Source-Twitter)
At one point of time, Varun Aaron was considered one of the quickest bowlers in the world. The 34-year-old saw his career get ravaged with injuries and lose his spot in the Indian team. Mohammed Shami was one of the biggest beneficiaries of this. Varun Aaron was already part of the Gujarat Titans last year and this may work out in his favor.
1- Kamlesh Nagarkoti – Rajasthan
Kamlesh Nagarkoti (Source-Twitter)
Shubman Gill and Ashish Nehra will have their eyes on Kamlesh Nagarkoti ahead of the IPL 2024 season. The 24-year-old was lauded by the great Ian Bishop for his pace bowling during the 2018 Under-19 World Cup. The youngster can clock speeds over 90 MPH. This ability can make him an ideal Mohammed Shami replacement for IPL 2024.
