Gujarat Titans announce Mohammed Shami's replacement for IPL 2024, rope in former MI pacer

Gujarat Titans (GT) has announced Sandeep Warrier as Mohammed Shami's replacement for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Sandeep Warrier will link up with Titans for his base price of Rs 50 lakhs. Notably, he has so far played five IPL matches so far. Besides Warrier, Mumbai Indians named South Africa's pace sensation Kwena Maphaka as Dilshan Madushanka for the 17th season of the IPL.

"Gujarat Titans (GT) named Sandeep Warrier as replacement for Mohd. Shami while Mumbai Indians (MI) added Kwena Maphaka to the squad as replacement for Dilshan Madushanka for the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Shami – the veteran Indian pacer – recently successfully underwent surgery for his right heel problem and is currently recovering. His replacement, Warrier has so far played 5 IPL matches and will join GT for his base price of INR 50 Lac," IPL's press release read.

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Sandeep Warrier's track record

Warrier, who went unsold at the auction after being released by the Mumbai Indians, will be stepping in to fill the gap left by Shami.

Warrier possesses a distinct skillset compared to Shami. While he lacks Shami's raw pace, he excels in generating swing and seam movement. He also utilises the slower ball effectively and has a decent yorker in his arsenal. Warrier's experience and bowling variations offer the Titans a different kind of weapon for their attack.  It will be interesting to see how he adapts to the pressure of replacing a proven performer like Shami. Kerala pacer was acquired by the KKR for the IPL 2019 when he snared two wickets in his debut season. Notably, in Ranji Trophy 2018-19 season he picked 44 wickets from 10 matches for Kerala.

Mohammed Shami's ouster, a big blow for Titans

Notably, Shami war earlier ruled out of the IPL 2024 owing to injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had confirmed the news in an official statement earlier in March. Shami underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon in February and is currently under the BCCI medical team's supervision as he recovers.

Notably, Shami was a force to be reckoned with last season, leading the league in wickets (28) with an impressive average of 18.64 and even boasting a best bowling figure of 4/11.

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The 17th season of the IPL is set to kick off on March 22 with the defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on the Royal Challengers Bangalore in a South Indian derby at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.

Notably, IPL 2024's schedule for the first leg has been release as of now which will be played from March 22to April 7, with the remaining fixtures to be announced at a later date due to the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls starting April 19. Cricket fans are particularly excited about a much-anticipated clash on March 24 in Ahmedabad where last year's runners-up Gujarat Titans will face off against five-time champions Mumbai Indians. This match has generated a lot of buzz because of Hardik Pandya's return to his former team MI. After leading the Titans to victory in their debut season (2022), Pandya will now be donning the MI jersey once again, this time as their captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. On the other hand Shubman Gill will take over the captaincy for Gujarat Titans.

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