Gujarat Titans (GT) full squad for the IPL 2023

The defending champions Gujarat Titans will be looking to avoid the second year syndrome.

Fans are eagerly waiting for the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League, as the world's biggest franchise cricket league kick-starts this March. Defending champions Gujarat Titans led by Indian superstar Hardik Pandya will lock horns with four-time champions Chennai Super Kings at the Narendra Modi International Cricket Stadium on 31st March.

Gujarat Titans had a dream run in the last edition of the tournament, as the franchise became the second team to win the IPL title on their debut, with Rajasthan Royals winning the inaugural edition of the tournament back in 2008. However, despite winning the title, Gujarat Titans will have a lot to prove as the franchise will be under heavy scrutiny and expectations this time around.

While many experts have questioned Gujarat Titans’ title run as a fluke, Hardik Pandya and his side will be eager to bring an end to all the criticism with a similar performance this season. The franchise, despite their recent emergence, have consolidated themselves as strong favorites for the title this season. They have a great squad alongside Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, which was well-documented throughout the last edition of the tournament.

Gujarat Giants, similar to four-time champions Chennai Super Kings, retained the majority of their core players before the IPL Auction 2023. They also made some smart trades during the trade window to ship players the franchise felt were surplus. While fans were surprised that the team decided to part ways with pacer Lockie Ferguson, they still have some great names that can spearhead the pace-bowling department.

Batting is surely one of the biggest strengths when it comes to Gujarat Titans. The franchise will field the likes of emerging Indian superstar Shubman Gill, David Miller, Hardik Pandya and the newly-acquired New Zealand ace Kane Williamson in their ranks.

Gujarat Titans Captain: Hardik Pandya

Indian star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has emerged as one of the biggest options to lead the national white-ball side in the coming future. This has been largely thanks to his scintillating run in the last edition of the IPL, as he led Gujarat Titans to their maiden triumph. Hardik is no stranger to success having lifted the IPL title five times in his career and will be looking to get his hands on his second consecutive crown while leading a side.

The all-rounder contributed with the bat throughout the tournament, but also chipped in with his bowling when needed. Hardik provided the team with multiple breakthroughs with the new ball in the powerplay. There is no doubt that Hardik Pandya is once more the biggest player Gujarat Titans possess.

Gujarat Titans: Indian Players

Gujarat Titans have a solid team when it comes to their Indian players. The franchise is filled with domestic Indian stars who have done exceptionally well across formats. Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill are no doubt two of the cornerstones of the franchise. Players like Abhinav Manohar and Yash Dayal played a crucial role in the team’s triumph last season.

With the presence of veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami in their ranks, Gujarat have a great balance of experience with youth and can pose a big threat to the opposition.

Indian Players Retained: Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, Abhinav Manohar, Sai Sudharsan, Wriddhiman Saha, Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Mohammed Shami, Yash Dayal, Pradeep Sangwan, Darshan Nalkande, Jayant Yadav, R Sai Kishore.

Indian Players Purchased: KS Bharat (Rs 1.2 crores), Shivam Mavi (Rs 6 crores), Mohit Sharma (Rs 50 lakhs), Urvil Patel (20 lakhs)

Gujarat Titans: Overseas Players

Gujarat have a balanced overseas contingent when it comes to their eight players. David Miller, Rashid Khan and Kane Williamson are tried and tested superstars when it comes to the IPL. Meanwhile, the addition of new names such as Joshua Little and Odean Smith could work out both ways. 

Similarly, Alzarri Joseph is known for his pace and is being touted by Gujarat as the successor to Lockie Ferguson. 

Overseas Players Retained: David Miller, Rashid Khan, Matthew Wade, Alzarri Joseph, Noor Ahmad

Overseas Players Purchased: Kane Williamson (Rs 2 crores), Odean Smith (Rs 50 lakhs), Joshua Little (Rs 4.4 crores)

Gujarat Titans: Full Squad

Hardik Pandya (c), Shubman Gill, David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Sai Sudharsan, Wriddhiman Saha, Matthew Wade, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Mohammed Shami, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Pradeep Sangwan, Darshan Nalkande, Jayant Yadav, R Sai Kishore, Noor Ahmad, Kane Williamson, Odean Smith, KS Bharat, Shivam Mavi, Urvil Patel, Joshua Little, Mohit Sharma.

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