Against all expectations, Gujarat Titans went on to win IPL 2022. No one gave them a chance after the auction ended. However, the management was brilliant with its utilization of resources and tactics. The team had a few issues after the bright start but finished the tournament well. Nevertheless, the opposition teams would now be warier of GT. The Hardik Pandya-led squad will have to make a few changes and that will start with releasing some cricketers. On that note, here, we take a look at the list of four players Gujarat Titans might release before the IPL 2023 Auctions.
1) Vijay Shankar
Vijay Shankar did well in the previous year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Hence, there was decent demand for him at the auctions. Gujarat Titans did well to eventually sign him. However, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder failed for the franchises. He did not make use of the multiple chances he got. Later on, he had form and fitness issues and did not take part in this year’s SMAT.
With the likes of B Sai Sudharsan doing well at No.3, GT might not be worried too much about leaving Vijay Shankar. In his absence, the team can target someone like G Ajitesh, who was absolutely brilliant in TNPL 2022. This way, the franchise can also build a team for the future.
2) Dominic Drakes
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Dominic Drakes is one of the players Gujarat Titans might release before the IPL 2023 Auctions. The West Indian all-rounder has won two trophies in the last two years. While he won IPL 2021 with the Chennai Super Kings, he continued his winning streak with the Titans in IPL 2022.
However, Drakes will have to be released by GT. The franchise could not offer him a lot of chances in IPL 2022. In the auction, we could see the likes of Sam Curran go under the hammer. To free up funds and slots, Drakes could be released.
3) Varun Aaron
Varun Aaron played the first few matches for the Titans in IPL 2022. However, after the likes of Yash Dayal and Mohammed Shami forged a good combination, Aaron had to lose his spot. Before the ongoing domestic season, he made the move from Jharkhand to Baroda. The change did not help him much as he could not set the scene on fire.
There are a lot of young bowlers in the market who are in the same profile as Aaron. GT might target such players as that would help them in building a squad for the future. Aaron has anyways been expensive whenever he played and GT might not be able to afford him more opportunities.
4) Noor Ahmad
Noor Ahmad is also one of the players Gujarat Titans might release before the IPL 2023 Auctions. The Afghan youngster was part of the GT squad last season. However, he did not feature for the franchise. A 17-year-old cricketer, GT may not be able to keep hold of Noor Ahmad for the next season.
R Sai Kishore has left an impression after having made his debut in the latter half of IPL 2022. With him cementing his spot, it would be difficult to break into the squad as an overseas name. Rashid Khan would anyways play most games as the spinner. Moreover, Gujarat would like to target the likes of Ben Stokes or Rilee Rossouw for IPL 2023. Therefore, to free up the overseas slots, Noor could be released.
