Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag said all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has been disappointing for Gujarat Titans in the ongoing IPL 2023. Shanaka, who replaced Kane Williamson in the GT squad, hasn’t been able to grab his chances in the limited opportunities he has got.
Shanaka has scored only 26 runs in the three matches he has played for the defending champions at an average of 13. The Sri Lankan skipper scored 17 runs in the first qualifier against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium and could not make a big score despite getting off to a start.
In fact, Shanaka isn’t bowling for GT and thus his place is under scrutiny with Matthew Wade also waiting in the wings. Sehwag feels GT can play either play Alzarri Joseph or Odean Smith in place of Dasun Shanaka.
“I’m not worried about the bowling too much. But I am worried about Dasun Shanaka, GT can play Odean Smith and Alzarri Joseph for him. Shanaka has been disappointing. We had big hopes from him and he hasn’t lived up to even 1 percent to those expectations. GT should play Manhor instead of Shanaka, as he is a batter who can smash sixes,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.
On the other hand, the former Indian opener feels Mumbai Indians will not make a lot of changes to their playing XI but they might bring in Kumar Kartikeya in place of Hritik Shokeen.
“When they go to Ahmedabad, Gujarat will have to play well against Mumbai because they lost their previous match against MI at the Wankhede Stadium. I don’t think Mumbai will make a lot of changes. I can see Hrithik Shokeen being replaced by another bowler, maybe Kumar Kartikeya might come in. Otherwise, I don’t think they’ll make many changes,” said Sehwag.
Both teams will be looking to come up with a collective show in the all-important second qualifier to qualify for the final. MI won against LSG by a huge margin of 81 runs whereas GT suffered a 15-run loss against CSK.
GT will take on MI in the second qualifier at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday.
