Defending champions Gujarat Titans have struggled to defend their total this season and team mentor Gary Kirsten has blamed a shaky bowling line-up for the reason.
In the five matches played so far, GT has won three and lost two while defending its total.
IPL 2023 Mark sheet: Check Team Standings, Team Points, Wins, Losses
“Last IPL we defended four and chased six matches. This year we haven’t defended the total yet but it is early days of the tournament. Last year we had a settled bowling line-up. Kirsten said during a virtual press conference, this year because of injuries and the guys that we bank in important overs, they are not necessarily ready to go.
What GT is probably missing is New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, whom they traded to Kolkata Knight Riders.
“Every team needs to adjust to different conditions and this is an opportunity for us to look at that area and potentially reset and make sure we have the right people to do the job,” he added.
The South African was in awe of Shubman Gill, who has been instrumental in giving GT a good start. The young batsman is the leading scorer for his team, with 228 runs in five matches at an average of almost 46.
“He (Gill) has developed into more of a class player. His run of form with the Indian team across all formats can be seen. We always knew he was going to be a class player. The next level for Shubman is to see what he can achieve in his skills and how he can create a real impact on the game,” said Kirsten.
He has done a great job for us at the top. He is at the pinnacle of progress. He has good ideas and opinions on how to achieve the success he is looking for. It’s great to see him doing well.”
orange cap: Check out the complete list of top batsmen in the Orange Cap race
Two other players who have caught Kirsten’s attention this season are all-rounder Vijay Shankar and veteran fast bowler Mohit Sharma.
“Time may not be on his side but experience is and that definitely helps a lot in the IPL. Vijay struggled a bit last season. He wanted to make a comeback and prove that he is a player to be reckoned with.
Kirsten, who is also the team’s batting coach, said, “He found himself in good physical condition and his training and work ethic at the nets is second to none.”
“Mohit has really been an inspiration for me. He was essentially a part of the last IPL as a net bowler. To do so for someone of his age I think is remarkable. He is an incredible professional, puts a lot of time into his game. He has done really well in the last two matches.”
purple cap: Check out the complete list of top bowlers in the Purple Cap race
In the three matches played so far, Shankar has scored 119 runs at an average of 59.50, while Mohit has taken two wickets in the same number of matches at an impressive economy rate of 4.16.
Asked about Kane Williamson, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee in his debut match for GT and was subsequently ruled out of the competition, Kirsten said: “Kane Williamson’s absence Definitely will be felt. He is a great player.”
“He would have fitted in really well into our team environment and what we do as a group. He will be missed. He is an experienced player and would have played a vital role for us as a captain and top batsman. “
Kirsten is said to feel Williamson’s injury has come as a boon for a youngster like Sai Sudarshan, who has scored 176 runs in five matches.
He added, “He said that it presents a great opportunity for someone else to fill that role and Sai Sudarshan has done a great job so far.”
“The fact that we have retained him is a testimony to the fact that he has immense potential. This year we wanted to go to the next step with him which is to give him more playing time. The skills he has are great, mentally he manages himself really well.”
Kirsten played it safe when asked whether GT has received any mandate from BCCI or NCA on pacer Mohammed Shami’s workload management.
“Not that I know of. I’m not necessarily involved on that level,” he said.
Asked about Shivam Mavi, who picked up a Rs 6 crore contract from GT in the IPL auction earlier this year, Kirsten said he will get a chance in the coming matches.
“He (Mavi) is available for selection. He is working very hard on his game during training. It can be selected at any time. Selection is largely around the type of skills a person has that suits the conditions and opposition you are playing.”
GT will play Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Saturday.
get the latest cricket news, ipl 2023 live score, orange cap And purple cap holder details here
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)