Aakash Chopra in his insightful analysis highlights the pivotal influence of star openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan in charting the path to success for the Gujarat Titans (GT) squad. The highlyanticipated faceoff between GT and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the exhilarating IPL 2024 fixture slated for Thursday May 16 in Hyderabad sets the stage for a thrilling showdown.
The Titans with 11 points from 13 games currently occupy the eighth spot in the points table of IPL 2022. Despite being mathematically out of contention for a playoff berth the reigning champions aim to conclude their campaign with a triumph.
In a video posted to his YouTube account, Chopra remarked that the Gujarat Titans have had a terrible IPL 2024 season and cited Shubhman Gill and Sudharsan’s performances as one of their strengths.
“The Gujarat Titans won one year, reached the final the second year, and have been left a little below this year. However, there are a few good things. In the last match, which happened, both openers scored centuries. So cut, copy, paste. These two players are this team’s life and will remain so.”
“If both openers do well, this team does decently. They reach a decent total. If David Miller hits in the end, it works out a little. Matthew Wade might get to bat a little. In bowling, Rashid Khan along with Noor Ahmad are bowlers who can trouble the opposing team because at times they are unable to do anything against spin.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra stated that the Gujarat Titans’ seam bowling is failing. He pointed out that while Mohit Sharma has taken wickets, he has come at a high cost, and that many other possibilities have failed.
Aakash Chopra’s Retention Advice for Gujarat Titans: One Player Stands Out
Aakash Chopra, reflecting on the Gujarat Titans’ prospective retentions ahead of next season’s auction, believes Shubman Gill should be the first to be kept.
“If they have to retain players, who all will they retain? Hypothetically, let’s assume they can retain four players, and you get a few RTMs. In that four, one is Shubman Gill. I feel he should be retained.”
Aakash Chopra
The Titans should maintain Sai Sudharsan and Rashid Khan, according to a well-known analyst.
“The second player, I am thinking they should definitely keep Sai Sudharsan along with them. The third player, I am saying Rashid Khan. He has to be retained for sure. They actually don’t have a fourth player.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra noted that the Ahmedabad franchise may need to consider Mohammed Shami’s age while making a decision on his retention.
“They might think about Noor Ahmad, but David Miller – no. Noor Ahmad – 50-50. Mohammed Shami could be there. However, they will have to keep one thing in mind. It will be a three-year retention. Shami is 35. So fast bowler – 38, that’s one big question, or else you will definitely want to retain him.”
Aakash Chopra
Mohammed Shami had to sit out of IPL 2024 due to an ankle injury shifting the spotlight away from him. Standing tall last season the 33yearold secured the Purple Cap in the Titans quest to reach the final showdown.