Not many would have bet on the Titans winning the IPL title on debut. Now they are the most-marked team and opponents will try to exploit the chinks in their armour.
STRENGTH: With the presence of Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan and David Miller, the team’s core is very strong.
WEAKNESS: Lockie Ferguson’s departure means support bowlers to Pandya, Shami and Rashid look a bit thin on experience.
OPPORTUNITY: Like last year, they will be keen to prove they don’t need a superstar overseas player to take them over the line.
THREAT: Who opens with Gill among Wriddhiman Saha, Kane Williamson and KS Bharat? And can they strike from the word go?
KEY PLAYERS
Hardik Pandya: Was a revelation in 2022 as skipper and batter. Titans will hope he carries on in that vein and takes even more bowling responsibility.
Shubman Gill: The opener will look to build on his international success. His form will be key to how they start at the top.
Mohammed Shami: Every time his ability to be an all-format bowler has been questioned, the pacer has responded with a bucketful of wickets. Can he go full tilt all season?
NEW PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Shivam Mavi: With his inclusion for Rs 6 crore, Titans have added some experience to their domestic bowling contingent.
Kane Williamson: While his T20 form has slipped over the last few years, he can still add value. A good buy to have on the field to help out with decisions, especially
in crunch situations.
Joshua Little: Titans spent Rs 4.4 crore for the 23-year-old Irish leftarm pacer and must have seen some spark in him. Took a hat-trick in the 2022 T20 World Cup against New Zealand.
INJURY WATCH
No injury issue yet. David Miller will miss the first match due to commitments with South Africa. Joshua Little won’t be available in the second week of May as he will travel to play Ireland’s two ODIs against Bangladesh.
