Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes it will be difficult for Gujarat Titans to accommodate both Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad in their playing XI in the forthcoming season of the Indian Premier League.
With Rashid being GT’s frontline spinner, GT might have to ponder how they can fit Noor Ahmad in the final XI as a second overseas spinner. While Rashid picked up 27 wickets in 17 games at an economy rate of 8.23, Ahmad scalped 16 wickets at an economy rate of 7.82 in 13 matches in the previous season.
Furthermore, Gujarat Titans’ spearhead Mohammad Shami has been ruled out of IPL 2024 after undergoing surgery. Moreover, GT won’t have the services of their former captain Hardik Pandya, who has rejoined Mumbai Indians in an all-cash trade deal.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “Gujarat have a ‘Karamati’ Khan named Rashid Khan. He is absolutely outstanding. His injury would be fine by the time IPL comes. Then they have a bowler named Noor Ahmad. Both of them play in the XI for sure these days.”
“However, will Shami’s absence make a difference? Will they not be able to play two overseas spinners because of Hardik leaving? It is going to be a slight toss-up. They might have to compromise a spinner,” the former India opener added.
On the other hand, Axar Patel and in-form Kuldeep Yadav will lead Delhi Capitals’ spin attack. The renowned commentator added DC has an eight-over bank in spin duo.
“Delhi aren’t able to play three spinners and if they do, the third one gets hit nine out of 10 times. They have an eight-over bank in Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, which is very, very good.”
“Kuldeep Yadav is a legit wicket-taker and Axar Patel can bowl even with the new ball. Their third spinner becomes a little weak link. They get Lalit Yadav to bowl at times and bring Pravin Dubey on other occasions. The third spinner has always been an issue,” Chopra stated.
IPL 2024 will kick off with defending champions CSK taking on RCB at Chennai.
