In a significant setback for the Gujarat Titans, Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of IPL 2024 due to a left ankle injury requiring surgery, as per a BCCI source speaking to news agency PTI. Shami, the key figure in Gujarat Titans’ pace attack, faced this blow just after the franchise lost its captain, Hardik Pandya, who moved to Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024.
Who Will Captain Gujarat Titans in Mohammed Shami’s Absence?
Shami, who had been the linchpin of Gujarat Titans’ bowling, now faces a stint on the sidelines due to the surgery. Shubman Gill will step up as the new captain for Gujarat Titans in Mohammed Shami’s absence. The 33-year-old seamer showcased his prowess in the preceding IPL seasons, bagging 20 wickets in 2022 and an impressive 28 wickets in IPL 2023, averaging 18.64 with the ball. Shami’s effectiveness with the new ball was particularly noteworthy.
Despite no official statement from Gujarat Titans, they have the opportunity to select a replacement for Mohammed Shami, with the replacement player’s base price not exceeding Shami’s. This replacement option stems from the unsold players’ pool during the December IPL auction. Shami’s absence also casts doubts on the effectiveness of the injury rehabilitation management program devised by the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Having not featured in the ongoing Test series against England, Shami’s last appearance for India was in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November. Despite attempts at rehabilitation with special ankle injections in London in late January, Shami’s ankle issue hasn’t resolved, necessitating surgery. Consequently, his IPL participation seems improbable. The injury puts a question mark on Shami’s potential return ahead of India’s upcoming Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand slated for October and November.
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