When Gujarat Titans came into being in 2022, not many expected the side to find instant success. The competition in IPL was brutal, for in the 14 seasons until then, 11 had been won by just three teams. There were three others who had not touched any silverware in more than a decade’s existence.
Not only did GT win the title in its debut year, but the outfit nearly defended the crown in 2023, thwarted only by a last-ball boundary by Ravindra Jadeja in the final. In under two years, the team appeared fully formed and exuded a dominating and commanding aura.
When it kick-starts this season’s campaign, however, GT will be a tad diminished. Hardik Pandya, its inspirational skipper for two years, has moved to Mumbai Indians, while Mohammed Shami, Purple Cap winner with 28 wickets in IPL 16, is out after undergoing an ankle surgery.
