Despite investing a substantial INR 30.30 crore on eight players in the IPL 2024 auction, former cricketer Simon Doull claims that the Gujarat Titans have failed to fill the vacuum left by Hardik Pandya’s departure.
Prior to the auction, the Gujarat Titans traded Pandya to the Mumbai Indians, and they struggled to find a suitable replacement.
“I don’t think they have plugged the hole that Hardik Pandya has left by any stretch of the imagination,” Simon Doull said to Star Sports.
The Titans strengthened their roster in spite of losing out on stars like Harshal Patel and Mitchell Starc. “But they went to Kartik Tyagi, so they got some local bowling, which is what they needed,” Doull remarked, emphasizing the value of local bowling. “Umesh Yadav and Kartik Tyagi in particular.”
Simon Doull complimented a number of acquisitions, including Azmatullah Omarzai and Spencer Johnson. Johnson obtained a 10 crore rupee loan.
“I thought Spencer Johnson was an interesting one. I enjoy him. His cricketing skills are excellent, in my opinion. He is well-known to Moods (Tom Moody). He was clearly in The Hundred with Moods at the Oval Invincibles,” he remarked.
Doull stated, “If you want an overseas all-rounder to fit into your side, Azmatullah Omarzai is an absolute steal at 50 lakhs.” Omarzai joined the squad for ₹50 lakh.
The Gujarat Titans auction was fascinating. Tom Moody
Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody commented on the Titans’ attempt to replace Pandya, considering the team’s approach. He said Shahrukh Khan and Umesh Yadav together may cover for Pandya.
“I found their auction to be quite intriguing. I thought they were attempting to replace Hardik Pandya by utilizing the Impact Player automobile,” Moody remarked. “The way I think they have looked at it, Umesh Yadav is the bowling over that Hardik Pandya provided for the team.”
Although some naysayers wonder if the Titans were able to fill Pandya’s vacuum, only time will tell if their special group of players is up to the task.
India
