In the IPL 2022, Gujrat Titans made history as they became only the second team to win the IPL title in their debut season, after Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural IPL season in 2008.
Leading for the first time in the IPL, Hardik Pandya marshaled the side impressively as Titans were the only team with 10 wins in the league stage wins.
The Ashish Nehra-coached side, though, released some players and will look to strengthen their squad and fill the little holes at the forthcoming IPL 2023 mini-auction, which is slated for December 23 in Kochi.
Players released by Gujarat Titans – Lockie Ferguson (traded), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (traded), Jason Roy, Dominic Drakes, Gurkeerat Singh, Varun Aaron
Here are 3 players that Gujarat Titans might target at the IPL 2023 mini-auction:
Kane Williamson
Sunrisers Hyderabad made a bold decision by releasing their captain from last season, Kane Williamson, although SRH might look to buy him back for a cheaper price, but then in the auction, other teams will also have the chance to go after the New Zealand captain.
One of those teams could be the Gujarat Titans, who will be searching for a stable middle-order batsman who can anchor around the likes of the openers, Hardik Pandya and David Miller. Kane Williamson suits the bill perfectly for the Gujarat Titans as they struggled for one middle-order spot last season and had to rotate the likes of Vijay Shankar, Matthew Wade, Sai Sudharsan, and Abhinav Manohar.
Narayan Jagadeesan
After being released by Chennai Super Kings, Tamil Nadu batsman Narayan Jagadeesan shattered world records in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023, by becoming the first-ever batsman in the history of the game to score five consecutive List-A centuries, the last of which was a mammoth inning of 277 runs off 141 balls – the highest-ever individual List-A score in men’s cricket.
Now, Jagadeesan, who was with CSK at his base price of 20 lakh, is going to be on the radar of other franchises, including Gujarat, who could eye the youngster.
Known for his stoic presence in the middle and composed head, Jagadeesan could be the bridge between the Titans’ aggressive openers and the lower-middle order of Pandya, Miller, and Tewatia. Having a quality Indian batter in the line-up would also allow the Titans to use an extra overseas fast bowler or all-rounder.
Jason Holder
After releasing the likes of Ferguson, Dominic Drakes, Gurkeerat Singh, and Varun Aaron, the Titans will want to fill up the places with quality overseas pacers and all-rounders. Jason Holder, who is released by Lucknow Super Giants, is expected to evoke bids from different franchises because of his terrific all-round skills.
A largely experienced international player, Holder has expertise in bowling with the new ball and in the death and can slog big during the end overs. The Titans may look to bid aggressively for the West Indian all-rounder and gain his services to further strengthen their side.
