Sandeep Warrier. (Photo Source: Twitter)
The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) is all set to begin on March 22. Hence, the 10 franchises will look to put in their best performances as the marquee tournament approaches. One of the biggest favourites to win the title would be the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans.
However, with the tournament approaching, Titans will be without their main man, Mohammed Shami. The fiery pacer’s absence will be a big blow for the side, but they seem to be ready, as Sandeep Warrier was named as the replacement for Shami ahead of the season. It is worth noting that the Amroha-based pacer recently underwent surgery for his right heel problem and is currently recovering. Warrier will be joining the side for his base price of INR 50 Lacs
Furthermore, the five-time champion Mumbai Indians added Kwena Maphaka to the squad as a replacement for Dilshan Madushanka. The Sri Lanka international has been ruled out of the IPL due to injury, and Maphaka recently represented South Africa at the U19 World Cup and was even named player of the tournament.
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GT take on MI in their first IPL 2024 clash
Speaking of the side’s upcoming assignments, Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans will kick off their IPL 2024 campaign by facing off at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 24. Both sides will take on each other in the fifth game of the tournament and will hope to get off to a good start.
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Gujarat managed to reach the summit clash of the competition but lost the final to the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023 final. On the other hand, it was Gujarat Titans who ended Mumbai Indians’ campaign in the IPL 2023, eliminating the side from Qualifier 2 of the tournament. However, as the IPL 2024 approaches, both sides will aim to do better and potentially go all the way as well.