The Gujarat Titans (GT) have officially named Sandeep Warrier as the replacement for Mohammed Shami for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, set to kick off this Friday. This announcement follows the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) earlier confirmation that Mohammed Shami would be sidelined for the season due to a surgery he underwent on his Achilles tendon in February. Shami, known for being a pivotal player and the top wicket-taker last season with 28 wickets, is currently under the BCCI medical team’s supervision.
Sandeep Warrier, who has previously appeared in 5 IPL matches, steps into the GT squad at his base price of Rs 50 lakh. Warrier’s inclusion comes as GT prepares to build on their impressive performance from the previous season.
The 17th IPL season is eagerly awaited, starting on March 22 with a South Indian derby between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The early schedule has been released up to April 7, with further details pending due to the Lok Sabha Polls beginning April 19.
In a much-anticipated match on March 24, last year’s finalists, the Gujarat Titans, will face five-time champions Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad. This game is particularly notable for Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians after leading GT to victory in their debut season. This year, Pandya will captain MI, taking over from Rohit Sharma, while Shubman Gill assumes GT’s captaincy.
Other highlights include the season’s first double-header on March 23, with Punjab Kings facing Delhi Capitals in Mohali, and Kolkata Knight Riders starting their campaign in Kolkata. Additionally, Delhi Capitals will play their home games in Vizag on March 31 and April 3, due to the unavailability of the Arun Jaitley Stadium following the Women’s Premier League final.
