Irfan Pathan named this Afghanistan all-rounder as an ideal match for an all-rounder’s spot in the Gujarat Titans squad.
The IPL 2024 mini-auction, scheduled for December 19 in Dubai, is poised to be a pivotal occasion for all 10 franchises as they search to finalize their squads from a pool of 1166 gamers. Ahead of this public sale, the Gujarat Titans confronted a major problem after buying and selling Hardik Pandya, their captain for the previous two years, to the Mumbai Indians throughout the IPL 2024 retentions.
This unprecedented switch marked a significant shift in the dynamics of the commerce window, with Gujarat Titans additionally parting methods with eight gamers, together with Shivam Mavi, Yash Dayal, Pradeep Sangwan, Alzarri Joseph, and Odean Smith.
Replacing a player of Hardik Pandya’s caliber is not any straightforward job, however former Indian quick bowler Irfan Pathan means that recruiting Azmatullah Omarzai may tackle among the void left by Pandya in the 2022 champions’ lineup. Speaking on Star Sports, Irfan Pathan emphasised that the Afghanistan all-rounder, who showcased his expertise in the World Cup held in India, may seamlessly fill the position left vacant by Pandya.
‘Looking on the Gujarat Titans, they’re lacking out on Hardik Pandya. Obviously, they’re lacking out on a pacesetter and a man who can really do each bat and ball equally properly. Who is there on the public sale desk’? Irfan acknowledged.
‘I see Azmatullah Omarzai going to Gujarat Titans as a result of he is an ideal match. We have Rashid Khan there as properly, who can really get one of the best out of his countryman. Apart from an all-rounder, they require a correct quick bowler there. They have to go for that additional tempo, and so they have a superb purse out there,’ he added.
Gujarat Titans, now led by Shubman Gill, face the problem of shoring up their squad put up Pandya’s departure. With a considerable purse of Rs 38.15 crore, the Titans are in a good place to amass a most of eight gamers, with two spots reserved for abroad gamers.
Azmatullah Omarzai, having showcased his expertise in the ODI World Cup 2023, emerged as a key player for Afghanistan. His standout efficiency, scoring an unbeaten 97 runs in opposition to South Africa on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, performed a pivotal position in Afghanistan’s aggressive whole of 244 runs. Omarzai’s all-round contribution included 353 runs and 9 wickets in 9 matches, boasting a formidable strike price of 95.9. His capacity to search out the boundaries, with 53 hits together with 35 fours and 18 sixes, additional underlines his effectiveness in the center order.
