Cricket

Gujarat Titans have failed to fill Hardik Pandya’s void: Simon Doull

 

Former cricketer Simon Doull has voiced skepticism over Gujarat Titans’ ability to fill the gaping hole left by Hardik Pandya’s departure from the team. Despite a substantial investment of INR 30.30 crore in eight new players during the IPL 2024 auction, the Titans seem to have fallen short in finding a suitable replacement for the all-rounder.

“I don’t think they have plugged the hole that Hardik Pandya has left by any stretch of the imagination,” Doull expressed in an interview with Star Sports, echoing concerns over the team’s strategy post-Pandya’s move to the Mumbai Indians.

While the Titans missed out on some significant players such as Mitchell Starc and Harshal Patel, they did make efforts to strengthen their roster. Doull acknowledged the importance of local bowling, emphasizing the acquisitions of Umesh Yadav and Kartik Tyagi to bolster the team’s bowling attack.

“Despite missing out on players like Mitchell Starc and Harshal Patel, they have gone to Kartik Tyagi, so they have got some local bowling, which is what they needed – Umesh Yadav and Kartik Tyagi in particular,” Doull commented, highlighting the significance of this local talent infusion.

Two acquisitions that caught Doull’s attention were Spencer Johnson and Azmatullah Omarzai. Johnson, procured for a hefty INR 10 crore, drew praise from Doull, who commended his cricketing abilities and association with Tom Moody during their time at the Oval Invincibles in The Hundred.

“Spencer Johnson was an interesting one for me. I like him. I think he is a very, very good cricketer,” Doull remarked, emphasizing Moody’s familiarity with Johnson’s prowess.

In the case of Azmatullah Omarzai, who joined the Titans for a mere ₹50 lakh, Doull labeled the move as an “absolute steal” for an overseas all-rounder to seamlessly integrate into the squad.

Reflecting on the Titans’ auction strategy, former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody also chimed in, suggesting that Umesh Yadav and Shahrukh Khan might collectively fill the void left by Pandya’s departure.

“I thought their auction was really interesting… The way I think they have looked at it is Umesh Yadav is the bowling overs that Hardik Pandya provided the team,” Moody commented, shedding light on the Titans’ approach.

As doubts linger about whether the Titans have adequately addressed Pandya’s absence, the onus now rests on the unique combination of players to prove their mettle and rise to the challenge in the upcoming IPL season.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024