3 Players who can replace injured Mohammad Shami in GT for IPL 2024: After losing out on their skipper ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, Gujarat Titans (GT) are now struck with another blow as their premier pacer Mohammad Shami is set to remain out of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. Shami’s injury puts a huge dent in Gujarat’s bowling lineup ahead of the IPL 2024, which begins on March 22.
Notably, Mohammad Shami has undergone a successful heel surgery in London recently. The veteran pacer posted a picture on his social media profiles sharing updates of his injury, which has been troubling him since the last World Cup.
The surgery will keep Mohammad Shami out for a significant duration and he is expected to miss the entire season of the IPL 2024 for Gujarat Titans (GT).
It’s worth noting that Shami’s absence leaves a massive hole in Gujarat’s bowling armoury for IPL 2024 which, although, has many decorated bowlers in the rank. The right-arm pacer bagged the purple cap last year as he scalped 28 wickets in 17 matches during the event at an average of 18.61.
So far, Gujarat Titans (GT) hasn’t released any statement on Shami’s injury. Nor the IPL franchise has announced any replacement player so far. This article will lead you through 3 Players who can replace injured Mohammad Shami in GT for IPL 2024:
3 Players who can replace injured Mohammad Shami in GT for IPL 2024
There are a few options available, both domestic and overseas, for GT if they wish to name a replacement player for the injured Mohammad Shami for the upcoming IPL 2024. Some of them are:
Josh Hazlewood
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood went unsold during the IPL 2024 auction held in December 2023. He was associated with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the last season. The pacer played three matches for CSK during the IPL 2023 and returned with three wickets in his limited outings before he was ruled out due to a heel injury.
The pacer has vast experience playing on Indian surfaces throughout his career. He has been an influential figure for Australia in limited-overs cricket where he scalped 61 wickets in 45 outings at a decent economy of 7.68.
Talking about his IPL stats, Josh has dismissed 35 batters in his 27-match-long career in the Indian Premier League since 2020. If Gujarat eyes an overseas option, then Josh Hazlewood could be one of the top contenders who may get an IPL contract despite being unsold in the auctions.
Kamlesh Nagarkoti
In the list of domestic options, young pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti appears at the top. Though he has limited experience in the T20s, his abilities can be tempting.
Nagarkoti played the U19 World Cup for India in 2018. Soon after impressing everyone in the U19 World Cup, he was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2018, however, the pacer, unfortunately, was ruled out of the season due to back injuries.
He returned in IPL 2020 but the pacer could only pick 5 wickets in 10 matches. To add further, the youngster could only get two opportunities in the next two seasons of the IPL, where he returned wicketless.
Although his past IPL experience hasn’t been fruitful and memorable, Kamlesh Nagarkoti has the knack of bowling consistently over 140 kmph, which comes as his strength.
Ishan Porel
Similar to Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ishan Porel was also a part of India’s 2018 U19 World Cup squad. However, his career too was halted by injury concerns.
The Bengal pacer was picked by Punjab Kings (PBKS) as the backup option for Mohammad Shami during the IPL 2021. During the season, Porel got the opportunity in just a solitary fixture which saw him return with a single wicket by giving away 39 runs.
Talking about his strengths, Ishan Porel is a tall guy, who likes to use his height to his advantage. Additionally, his ability to produce sharp bounce makes him a good option as a replacement for Mohammad Shami in GT for IPL 2024.