In a major blow to the Gujarat Titans, star India pacer Mohammed Shami has been sidelined from the upcoming Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024). The speedster is set to undergo surgery for a left ankle injury.
It also throws his participation in the T20 World Cup into doubt as well. Shami’s absence comes after his impactful performances in the recently concluded World Cup. In the tournament, India reached the final but lost to Australia in Ahmedabad.
Meanwhile, various media reports suggest that Shami’s recovery period is expected to be extensive, forcing him to miss the entire IPL season. There are concerns that he may also be ruled out of the T20 World Cup too. This leaves his return to competitive cricket uncertain until the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is down under.
The setback is significant for the Gujarat Titans, who heavily rely on Shami’s prowess with the ball. The veteran seamer has been a key performer for the franchise, boasting an impressive record of 48 wickets in 33 matches at an average of 21.04 and a strike rate of 15.75—his best for any IPL team.
Who will take bowling charges for the Gujarat Titans?
With Mohammed Shami unavailable, the Titans will be captained by the young Indian batter, Shubman Gill. The team has undergone additional changes, including the departure of Hardik Pandya, who has been traded to the Mumbai Indians. As per reports, the Titans are slated to kick off their IPL campaign against MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings on March 22.
Shami’s absence not only leaves a void in the Titans’ bowling lineup but also raises concerns for the Indian cricket team, particularly with crucial tournaments on the horizon. Fans will anxiously await updates on Shami’s recovery and hope for a swift return to the field for the talented seamer.
Meanwhile, the Indian Cricket Board is set to announce the schedule for the first 15 days of the upcoming event on February 22. The detailed schedule will be announced right after the Election Commission of India’s announcement of the general elections. The ECI is set to announce dates by the second week of March 2024, and the elections are set to take place in April–May 2024.
Here is how fans react to Mohammed Shami’s injury:
Saving his prime for t20 wcup
— AP (@AksP009) February 22, 2024
Reason ?? pic.twitter.com/D6mACO8GX7
— Pankaj (@Pankaj41627) February 22, 2024
I Hope be ready for T20 World Cup pic.twitter.com/2pzMY1X2Z1
— Radhika Chaudhary (@Radhika8057) February 22, 2024
Captain Gill is not as lucky as Injury Prone Landya ?
— User45 (@140of113) February 22, 2024
But why
— M Ikram (@ikramirshad06) February 22, 2024
What!!! Why???
— Tarun Lochib (@tarunlochib) February 22, 2024
Reason ?
— CA Rahul Malodia (@carahulmalodia) February 22, 2024
This is crazy. Really going to miss Md Shami!
— Samarth Sharma (@samsharma260793) February 22, 2024
That's a huge loss.
Purple Cap winner in previous season.— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) February 22, 2024
With 28 wickets in 17 matches, Shami was the Purple Cap winner of IPL 2023. Huge loss for Gujarat, who are already missing Hardik.
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) February 22, 2024
