Five bowlers who can replace Mohammed Shami in Gujarat Titans squad for IPL 2024

Mohammed Shami picked 28 wickets for Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023.

The next installment of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is likely to get underway on March 22, which means we are just one month away from the start. All teams are getting ready for this two-month long tournament that will test them in every aspect. But, the 2022 winners Gujarat Titans have suffered a massive blow. Star pacer Mohammed Shami has been ruled out for the upcoming season.

The veteran pacer is suffering an injury to his left ankle. He will travel to the UK for surgery and the recovery is expected to take 4-6 months. This means that the franchise needs to find a replacement for him. Shami, who has been incredible at the international level, is the leader of the fast bowling attack for Gujarat Titans. Hence, his absence could be a game-changer. Here, we will talk about five possible replacements for Mohammed Shami in IPL 2024.

Here are the five bowlers who can replace Mohammed Shami in GT squad for IPL 2024

1. Varun Aaron

It is certain that there aren’t many pacers who can ideally replace Shami at GT. But, if it is about experience, the franchise can look to sign veteran pacer Varun Aaron. He is also a hit-the-deck bowler like Shami and bowls at a quick pace.

Aaron has been playing in the IPL since 2011 and has taken 44 wickets in 50 innings. Just like Mohit Sharma, whom GT re-introduced in 2023, Varun can be another veteran pacer for them like Mohammed Shami.

2. Kamlesh Nagarkoti

The franchise already signed Umesh Yadav at the auction, so they might look for a backup pacer as Umesh can play in the playing XI. Hence, Kamlesh Nagarkoti can be a pretty handy option for them. The 24-year-old comes from the same U-19 batch as Kartik Tyagi and GT can enjoy both of them at once.

Nagarkoti was part of the Delhi Capitals from 2020 to 2022 and played 12 games. He can be pretty effective at Narendra Modi Stadium with big boundaries and can turn out to be a handy signing.

3. Ishan Porel

Bengal pacer Ishan Porel can be another Indian who can be looked up to. He went unsold at the auction, but has experience of playing in the IPL.

He was part of the Punjab Kings in 2021. He has become an improved bowler since then. Porel has played 29 T20s and taken 40 wickets at a decent economy rate of 7.17.

4. Raj Limbani

Young pacer Raj Limbani was one of the top wicket-takers at the recently concluded ICC U19 World Cup 2024 in South Africa. He was one of the reasons that India reached the final.

He bowled an exceptional spell of 3/38 in the final. He is pretty fast and swings the ball at a good speed. He can be a good addition to a team that already has a number of veteran pacers.

5. KM Asif

Former CSK pacer KM Asif is also in line. The 30-year-old has played for CSK and RR in the IPL and is a pretty good bowler with both new and old balls.

He can bowl at a consistent speed of 140 km/h and is known as a death-overs specialist. Asif was part of RR last season. He can be a good pick for GT if they look to sign him as a replacement for Mohammed Shami.

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