With the IPL 2023 just around the corner, the excitement is palpable as fans gear up for the much-awaited tournament. Amidst all the buzz, former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has made a surprising pick for the highest wicket-taker for Gujarat Titans, the reigning champions. While many would assume the Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan to be the top pick, Chopra has gone with Indian pacer Mohammed Shami.
The decision might raise eyebrows, but Chopra has backed it up with stats from their last season. In IPL 2022, both Rashid and Shami played all 16 games for GT. While Rashid had a better economy and a lower average, he picked 19 wickets compared to Shami’s 20. However, Chopra feels that Shami’s performance will be even better this year, and he could outperform Rashid in the wickets department.
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Interestingly, despite Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium being a spinner’s paradise, Chopra believes that Shami will deliver for the team. The expert commentator also predicted that either Shubman Gill or Kane Williamson would emerge as the franchise’s highest run-scorer.
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The Gujarat Titans, led by skipper Sanju Samson, will begin their title defense in IPL 2023 on March 31st against Chennai Super Kings. While all eyes will be on the Titans’ performance, fans will also have their sights on Rashid Khan, who recently reclaimed his position as the No.1 T20I bowler in the world.
After a series win against Pakistan, Rashid’s economy of under 6 rpo, going as low as 4 in the second match, helped him regain his top spot in the rankings. Rashid’s teammate Fazalhaq Farooqi also made it to the No. 3 spot in the rankings after taking seven wickets in the series. With the Afghanistan spinner back with his Titans’ teammates, fans will eagerly wait to see if he can replicate his international success on the IPL stage.