As we gear up for the IPL 2023, all eyes are on the defending champions, Gujarat Titans. The team has had a good run in the previous season, and they are looking to continue their winning spree in the upcoming tournament. And, to achieve that, they have placed their trust in the young-and-veteran duo of Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha to lead the charge as the opening batting combo.
Shubman Gill has been a consistent performer for the Kolkata Knight Riders and India over the last few years. The right-handed opener has showcased his talent with the bat, scoring runs at a brisk pace. In the previous season of IPL, he finished as the fifth-highest run-scorer with 483 runs in 16 games while playing for the Gujarat Titans. With four half-centuries under his belt, he proved his mettle as an opener in the tournament. Overall, in his IPL career, Gill has scored 1900 runs with an average of 32.20, including 14 half-centuries.
On the other hand, Wriddhiman Saha brings in the experience factor to the Gujarat Titans batting lineup. The 38-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has been a part of the Indian cricket team for a long time and has played a crucial role in some of India’s victories. In the last season of IPL, Saha scored 317 runs in 11 games at an average of 31.70, including three fifties. However, his strike rate against spinners is a cause of concern, as it is just 118.1. Overall, in his IPL career, Saha has scored 2427 runs with an average of 25.28, including a century and 11 half-centuries.
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While Gill and Saha make for a solid opening pair, there are some areas of concern that the Gujarat Titans management needs to address. Firstly, both players are right-handed, which makes it easier for the opposition bowlers to plan their strategies. Secondly, Gill needs to work on his batting against pacers, as his powerplay strike rate is just over 120.
Overall, while Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha make for a decent opening batting combo, it remains to be seen how they will perform in IPL 2023. They have the experience, talent, and skills to take on any opposition, but they need to work on their weaknesses to ensure that they give their best performance on the field. As the defending champions, Gujarat Titans will need their opening pair to fire on all cylinders if they want to lift the trophy for the second consecutive time.