Defending champions, Gujarat Titans' first-ever Indian Premier League season was one to remember. Under the guidance of captain Hardik Pandya, the Titans finished top of the league stage and carried that form right through to the Final.
It was quite an incredible feat given that it was an entirely new squad and surroundings. Having made some smart signings at the IPL 2023 auction, they will be confident of retaining their crown.
Gujarat Titans IPL 2022 performance
The Gujarat-based franchise took the 2022 IPL title home, winning 12 of their 16 matches. Hardik, David Miller and Shubman Gill led the way with the bat, each scoring over 480 runs. They were ably supported by Wriddhiman Saha and Rahul Tewatia, though Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade did not have the best of tournaments with the bat.
Unsurprisingly, Rashid Khan led the way in terms of bowling with his typically miserly figures combining to make him the Titans' second-best in terms of wickets, one behind India seamer Mohammad Shami. New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson and Indian left-armer Yash Dayal also chipped in with 23 between them, while Hardik helped himself to eight scalps himself.
What squad changes have Gujarat Titans made via the IPL auction?
Gujarat went into the 2023 IPL auction with a largely unchanged squad, seeking a few quality additions to enhance their champion squad. Jason Roy was a high-profile name to be released beforehand, along with IPL domestic stalwarts Gurkeerat Singh and Varun Aaron. Meanwhile, Ferguson and Rahmanullah Gurbaz were traded to Kolkata Knight Riders.
The main signing was Indian international seamer Shivam Mavi who was bought for around £600,000. An interesting signing was that of another seam bowler, Irishman Josh Little. The left-armer has impressed greatly in the Hundred and for Ireland in the last 12 months and offers pace with a left-arm angle.
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| Shivam Mavi recently turned out for India in their 2023 t20I series against New Zealand [CREDIT: BCCI] |
One area that was lacking last year was that of the overseas top order as Wade struggled. In response, the Titans brought in an international titan of their own in the shape of New Zealand legend Kane Williamson, who was released by Sunrisers Hyderabad after a tricky season.
Srikar Bharat, the India Test 'keeper, was also brought in and will provide some significant competition for Saha. Mohit Sharma was added and will bring experience to the bowling ranks, while the raw potential of West Indies all-rounder Odean Smith saw him head to the champions at a relatively cut-price £50,000.
How is the squad shaping up ahead of the start of IPL 2023?
Potential starting XI: Shubman Gill, Srikar Bharat, Kane Williamson, Hardik Pandya, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Shivam Mavi, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammad Shami, Yash Dayal
Naturally, the squad is strong given the fact that they are reigning champions. The team may lack a bit of batting depth on paper, but the new Impact Player rule that is set to be introduced in the 2023 IPL season will help in this regard. It means that, for example, Saha can come in for Dayal during the batting innings which will, of course, strengthen the lineup significantly.
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| Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill are two key in-form players for defending champions Gujarat Titans [CREDIT: IPLT20] |
Gill is in some superb form and will be important at the top of the innings, while the potential for Williamson to slot in at number three could be huge for the Titans. The strength of the middle order was on display last season, with Hardik and Miller often playing crucial innings and Tewatia able to give impetus towards the end.
An additional spinner may not go amiss at times, though Tewatia's part-time offerings may be enough for the odd over or two. The pace attack does look strong, though, with the option of Little being a welcome one. The addition of Mavi should also help to bring quality and balance to proceedings.
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