Gujarat Titans started their IPL 2023 campaign on a winning note. They defeated MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings by 5 wickets in a nail-biter of an encounter. However, despite a positive result, Gujarat suffered a huge blow as well. Gujarat’s Kane Williamson injured his knee while fielding a shot from Ruturaj Gaikwad during the first innings of the game. Consequently, he was ruled out of the entire season. However, when fans came to know about this, Steven Smith started trending on Twitter as a possible replacement for the injured Williamson.
Steve Smith could have replaced Williamson but….
In an ideal situation, Steve Smith could have been a like replacement for Kane Williamson since both batters have a somewhat similar approach in T20 cricket. However, Steve Smith cannot replace Kane Williamson in the Gujarat squad on technical grounds. Since Steve Smith didn’t register his name for the auction for the IPL 2023, he cannot be named as a replacement for Williamson.
Steve Smith himself cleared the air around his selection in the Gujarat team and said, “I didn’t register for the auction, so I’m not eligible to be anyone’s replacement in IPL 2023”.
What other options do Gujarat have?
The absence of a key player like Kane Williamson can pose a significant challenge for any team, and the GT management will need to carefully consider their options for a suitable replacement. One potential option could be Travis Head, who has shown great promise as a top-order batsman and can also provide valuable contributions in the field.
However, if the team is looking to strengthen its lower middle order, a player like Dasun Shanaka could be a solid pick. Known for his aggressive batting and useful bowling skills, Shanaka has also performed well on Indian pitches in the past. Another player that could be considered is Kusal Mendis, who brings a good balance of experience and skill to the table.
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