Five players Gujarat Titans might target in IPL auctions 2024

The IPL 2024 auction is just days away from commencing. A total of 1166 players have registered their names for the season, which is the most for a single season in the history of the league. Out of them, only 590 players would go under the hammer, which shows the immense difficulty to take part in the league. There are some exceptional players who are set to go under the hammer in the auctions. All the teams are waiting to get the players to upgrade their team and make it strong. 

Gujarat Titans has been a champion from side ever since they joined the league. In just the first 2 seasons of the league, the Titans have made it to the finals twice and won one of them. Gujarat became the second franchise to win the title in their debut season after Rajasthan Royals in 2008. They came close to winning the 2023 season, but was denied by Ravindra Jadeja. Ahead of the 2024 season, they would be looking to get some better players in the squad to have a go at the title. 

Here are the five players Gujarat Titans might target in the mini auction on 19th December:

5. Manish Pandey

Manish Pandey has been a veteran in the lague. Pandey has been playing in the league every season starting from 2008 to 2023. The middle order batter had a roller coaster journey in the league over the years. Till 2020, Pandey was a mainstay in the teams like RCB, SRH, and KKR. In the last 3 seasons, Pandey has been neglected by the teams that he has played for. Under SRH, LSG, and DC, Pandey did not get enough chances to play in the XI.

Pandey is a match winner with the bat in his own way. One would remember his famous 94 in the finals of the 2024 season, which helped KKR beat the best team of the season till then, PBKS. Pandey was the first ever Indian batter to score a hundred in the IPL. He achieved the feat in 2009, while playing for RCB against Deccan Chargers. Gujarat need a backup batter for Sai Sudarshan and Kane Williamson in the middle order. He might be valuable for them with his presence in the lineup. 

4. Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav is one of the best new-ball bowlers in the league over the years. The right-arm pacer can swing the ball away from the right handers and can seam in with his unique abilities. Bowlers like Umesh must be handled with care, as they can often go for runs, if not used properly. In the powerplay overs, umesh could be threatening, which he showed later in the seasons like 2018 and 2022. In the death overs, Yadav is not that effective, given his inaccuracy in lengths.

The right-arm pacer does not have yorkers or slower ones for the later part of the innings. Hence, the utility of Umesh would be crucial. Gujarat would be wary of his skills and need him in the playing XI, as they lack a wicket taking taking bowler to support Mohammed Shami at the other end. Gujarat released the likes of Alzarri Joseph and Hardik Pandya. In their absence, Umesh would be useful early in the innings. With his pace and swing, Umesh can be useful on the wickets of Ahmedabad. 

 
3. Daryl Mitchell

Daryl Mitchell was one of the best middle order batters in the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023. The Kiwi batter was aggressive and consistent at the same point. With the willow in his hand, Mitchell was unstoppable in the big tournament. In the last 3 years, Mitchell has done everything right for New Zealand. As a batter, he has been arguably the best in all the three formats. He is aggressive and performs well whenever he gets an opportunity. He does not seem to have any weakness.

Mitchell has not played in the league earlier and has not played enough in the Indian conditions in the past. This is evident as when he did in the last month and October, he showed what his capability was. Mitchell scored about 550 runs at an a strike rate of over 110, which is sensational. As a middle order batter, Mitchell can strike well, which is something Gujarat need in their lineup. Although they have Kane Willliamson, Mitchell could be a good addition to their lineup to strengthen the aggression. 

2. Azmatullah Omarzai

Azmatulllah Omarzai was one of the best All-rounders in the ODI World Cup 2023, along with Ravindra Jadeja, Marco Jansen, and Glenn Maxwell. Along with Rachin Ravindra, Omarzai was the find of the tournament, as he really stepped up for his team when it mattered. At the grand stage, Omarzai displayed his skills and showed that he could be one of the top players in the world in both the departments. As a batter and as a bolwer, Omarzai shined for Afghanistan, which would have caught the attention of the owners.

Against some of the best teams in the world like India, South Africa, Australia, and Sri Lanka, Omarzai gave a good performance. He was useful as a bowler, as he showed his swinging abilities. Against Australia, he showed his All-round capabilities. The Afghanistani sensation might be one of the players in huge demand. Gujarat would definitely be eyeing him, given the fact that they lost Hardik in trade. Azmatullah might just be the closest like-to-like replacement Titans can get for Hardik.

1. Lockie Ferguson

Lockie Ferguson is one of the quickest pacers in the world cricket currently. The Kiwi pacers is still one of the best express pacers in the world. In the middle overs phase, Lockie can be extremely be helpful with his extreme pace and the ability to pick wickets. In the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023, Ferguson blew hot and cold due to some injuries. But, when backed properly with good fitness management, Ferguson can prove to be a lethal bowler. In the past, Fergsuon was a dangerous bowler. 

Extreme pace is something that cannot be brought from the market by bargaining. Ferguson was one of the key bowler in GT's winning campaign in the IPL 2022. In 2023, Ferguson was sent back to KKR, where he was not preoperly used. GT needs a pacer like Ferguson, who could threaten the batters with his pace. They lack a fierce pace bowler after deciding to part ways with Alzarri Joseph. Since, Ferguson has already played for them, things would be easier for to deal with the New Zealand pacer.