Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans scripted history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 as they won the title in their maiden season. Coming into the tournament, not many backed them to do the wonders and even some called it the weakest team of the season. However, they proved all their critics wrong and dominated the tournament.
3 Players Gujarat Titans could have picked instead of Kane Williamson
Gujarat Titans had a decent auction this time around as they covered almost every base. But it’s fair to say that they could’ve roped in some quality fast-bowling all-rounder in the team instead of Kane Williamson, who slightly seems to be a misfit for the team. Let’s take a look at 3 Players Gujarat Titans could have picked instead of Kane Williamson
Dasun Shanaka
Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka went unsold in the IPL 2023 auction. It’s fair to say that he could’ve been an ideal player for GT instead of Kane Williamson as his ability to step up with both bat and ball could’ve been handy for the defending champions. Sri Lanka’s white-ball skipper could’ve been a great support to Hardik Pandya. With GT lacking seam-bowling all-rounders, it’s fair to say that they could’ve acquired him. The all-rounder has so far played 176 matches in the shortest format and has amassed 3649 runs at a strike rate of 142.65. He also has picked up 53 wickets at an economy of 8.72.
Agla season, #AavaDe! 💙👊#TATAIPL | #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/VBLQC6SLzs
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) December 23, 2022
Jason Holder
Jason Holder is another player who the Gujarat Titans could have picked instead of Kane Williamson. The Caribbean player has been rated as one of the best all-rounders and has contributed equally well with both bat as well as the ball. With GT in need of seam-bowling all-rounders, they could’ve roped in Holder in to the left of Williamson, who, generally isn’t considered as a T20 player. Holder, on the other hand, has picked up 199 wickets in 204 T20 games at an economy of 7.89 and has scored 1788 runs at a strike rate of 126.18. And he eventually was acquired by Rajasthan Royals for INR 5.75 crores.
Ben Stokes
English all-rounder Ben Stokes would’ve been a perfect player that Gujarat Titans could’ve roped in place of Kane Williamson. Stokes arguably is one of the best players going around in the world of cricket and his ability to soak in pressure and single-handedly win the game makes him a perfect candidate that GT could’ve acquired in place of Williamson. The England player has many times won the game for his side and his presence could’ve added another dimension to the team. Overall, he has played 157 games and has scored 3008 runs at a strike rate of 133.39. With the ball, he has picked up 93 scalps at an economy of 8.41.
