IPL 2022 | Gujarat Titans' batting nemesis brings vulnerability

Another new entrant in the world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gujarat Titans (GT) will make their way into the tournament under the leadership of Hardik Pandya. The franchise has opted for a bowling-heavy unit, compromising on their batting lineup, making it one of the worst of the season.

Gujarat have an interesting pick as their skipper in the form of Hardik Pandya. The all-rounder has been under the radar in the last few years regarding his fitness. For the Titans, Hardik's fitness and performance in the multiple roles could be a make or break. 

Holding a timid batting unit, GT seemingly failed to make good moves on the auction table. As Jason Roy opted out of the tournament, it further deepened the cracks. While Shubman Gill will make one half of the opening pair, there will be a toss up between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Matthew Wade for the other slot. The decision will eventually boil down to two facets- firepower or experience? 

Wriddhiman Saha could be the likely number 3 for Gujarat and can don the wicket-keeping gloves as well. If GT opts for Matthew Wade as their second opener, then it paves way for Karnataka's Abhinav Sadarangani to make the XI. He scored 162 runs in four matches at the strike rate of 150 in 2021 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya and David Miller will form the middle-order.

Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan will be the likely two spinners for the Gujarat-based franchise. Both these cricketers can come handy with the bat as well and add some weight to an otherwise shaky batting department.

Mohammad Shami and Lockie Ferguson are the certainties in the playing XI.  Pitches at the Maharashtra grounds will suit their fiery pace. Uttar Pradesh's Yash Dayal can also feature as another fast bowler. He is a left-armer and will bring a new dimension in the bowling unit. Varun Aaron is another option available, while either of Jayant Yadav or Sai Kishore can be chosen if Gujarat wants to add one more spinner.

Squad for IPL 2022

Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill, Mohammad Shami, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Lockie Ferguson, Abhinav Sadarangani, Rahul Tewatia, Noor Ahmed, Sai Kishore, Vijay Shankar, Jayant Yadav, Dominic Drakes, Darshan Nalkande, Yash Dayal, Alzarri Joseph, Pradeep Sangwan, David Miller, Wriddhiman Saha, Matthew Wade, Varun Aaron, B Sai Sudharshan.

Strongest Playing XI

Shubman Gill, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya ©, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Yash Dayal, Mohammad Shami, Lockie Ferguson

Flaws

With no reliable batter in their entire lineup, Gujarat could be found wanting on many occasions. The team rely too much on their openers as the middle-order suffers from uncertainty. Hardik Pandya and David Miller also do not provide assurance which makes their case even weaker. The Titans do not have enough backup options, which further adds to their woes.

X-Factor 

Gujarat Titans have an exceptional bowling unit to go with. Rashid Khan, Lockie Ferguson and Mohammad Shami can form a dream trio and rattle any opposition on their day. Yash Dayal is another high-quality pacer and will be looking to make a mark in the tournament.

Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tewatia and Hardik Pandya can also chip in with a few overs and strengthen an already formidable bowling outfit.

Analysis 

Our prediction says that Gujarat Titans will struggle to find a place in the top four and will end up at the bottom half of points table at seventh/eight position. They are a bowling-heavy side but batting quality seems to be substandard. Hardik Pandya's leadership is still to be looked upon and eventually his season as an individual holds the key to Gujarat's fortunes in IPL 2022.