Aakash Chopra shared that Hardik Pandya’s absence due to the auction is a major reason behind Gujarat Titans’ lackluster performance in IPL 2024.
The Gujarat Titans are struggling to reach the IPL playoffs. Currently sitting last on the points table with only eight points from 11 games, they need a perfect finish—winning their remaining three matches—to even have a chance at qualifying.
According to former cricketer Akash Chopra, in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, the absence of key players Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami has placed immense pressure on young captain Shubman Gill.
“This team’s condition has been very bad this time. Let’s be fair; they haven’t played good cricket. Despite that, if you win so many matches, it’s alright. It’s a slight fall from grace that you won the final one year, played the final the second year, and suddenly became like this in the third year,” Chopra commented.
Aksh said that their chances are weakened by the absence of key players Hardik and Shami. Pandya was picked up by the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the auction, while Shami is sidelined with an ankle injury.
“You remember Hardik the captain, Hardik the batter, and, more importantly, Shami the bowler. You couldn’t fill those places properly. Overall, the wagon hasn’t moved at all. One major reason for that has been that Shubman Gill has come under a lot of pressure as a batter and captain,” added Aakash.
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Chopra further raised concerns about Shubman Gill’s performance. “He started decently as a batter, but now he has tapered off quite badly. His last year was outstanding, but this year is not going well. There are multiple reasons for that. There is captaincy pressure and the pressure of others not doing well. So he has been forced to play slightly differently. He is forced to hit hard,” added the commentator.
Other than that, Chopra was disappointed in GT’s overall performance in the tournament. “I say Rashid Khan needs to be focused on because this team does not have any mighty players. Sandeep Warrier is not doing well. Mohit Sharma has completely changed. It’s going very ordinary for him. Spencer Johnson plays at times and Joshu Little on other occasions. Azmatullah Omarzai was playing earlier. Umesh Yadav played a few matches. This team hasn’t really found any rhythm,” Chopra concluded.
Last Updated on May 10, 2024
