Gujarat Titans have started IPL 2023 with a win, but the team’s tension has increased despite the victory. In the very first match, the team suffered a big blow with experienced batsman Kane Williamson being injured. Williamson had made his debut for Gujarat this season but got injured in the first match while attempting to save a boundary against Chennai Super Kings. After his injury, the team is now searching for a replacement player.
3 star players are leading the race to join the team, including two Australian batsmen, Travis Head and Steve Smith, and Sri Lankan team captain Dasun Shanaka.
Shanaka can contribute to the team with both bat and ball, while Smith, being an experienced batsman, can also assist Hardik Pandya in captaincy. Meanwhile, Travis Head is known for his aggressive batting, and Gujarat is considering him as an option.
Among the three players mentioned, Travis Head and Steve Smith have the advantage of being established international players with a proven track record in high-pressure situations.
Travis Head is a left-handed batsman from Australia who has played 9 Tests, 58 ODIs, and 16 T20Is for his country. He has also been a regular player in the Big Bash League (BBL), where he has played for the Adelaide Strikers and the Melbourne Renegades.
Head is known for his aggressive strokeplay and his ability to play spin bowling.
Steve Smith, on the other hand, needs no introduction. The former Australian captain is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen of his generation. He has scored over 7,000 runs in Test cricket at an average of over 60, with 27 centuries to his name.
He has also been a successful player in the limited-overs formats, having scored over 4,000 runs in both ODIs and T20Is. Smith has played for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and is known for his innovative strokeplay and his ability to play the big shots.
Dasun Shanaka, the Sri Lankan captain, is also an option for the Gujarat Titans. He is a right-handed middle-order batsman and a medium-fast bowler.
He has played 21 ODIs and 28 T20Is for Sri Lanka and has also been a regular player in the Sri Lanka Premier League. Shanaka is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to hit the ball a long way.
