The Gujarat Titans dealt with a big blow ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 with head coach Ashish Nehra confirming on March 16 that young batter Robin Minz is unlikely for the entire tournament. The 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who was bought by Gujarat Titans for a whopping sum of INR 3.4 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, sustained injuries after a bike accident on March 3. However, Minz's father Francis while giving an update on his son's injury had said,"Yes. He is fine. It is just minor bruises and nothing serious. He is recovering well".
But Nehra's recent statement confirms Minz's complete absence from IPL 2024.
"Robin is unlikely to play IPL this year. It is unfortunate but we were also excited about a guy like Minz," Nehra told PTI.
While the news of Minz's absence dampened spirits, Titans received a positive update on their star spinner Rashid Khan. Nehra confirmed that Rashid successfully made his comeback from injury in the first T20I against Ireland. Rashid's return will bolster the Titans' bowling attack heading into IPL 2024 which is set to start from March 22. While acknowledging Rashid's importance, Nehra also highlighted the depth of his spin attack, mentioning Jayant Yadav and Sai Kishore.
"Sai Kishore didn't play (much) last year, but he has been doing so well. So every year you will be seeing new guys, you have to believe in yourself and prepare for that. About spinners, it's not that we don't have experienced spinners. We have Jayant Yadav and Sai Kishore. I am a firm believer of playing to your strengths. In Chennai and Lucknow, there will be slow tracks and we need to be prepared," Nehra concluded.
Shubman Gill-led GT will face Mumbai Indians in their first match of IPL 2024 at their home ground in Ahmedabad on March 24. In their following game, the IPL 2022 champions will take on defending champion CSK in Chennai on March 26.
Gujarat Titans' squad for IPL 2024:
Shubman Gill (c), Kane Williamson, Abhinav Manohar, David Miller, Matthew Wade (wk), Vijay Shankar, Jayant Yadav, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Rashid Khan, Josh Little, Noor Ahmad, Rahul Tewatia, Darshan Nalkande, R Sai Kishore, B Sai Sudharsan, Mohit Sharma, Azmatullah Omarzai, Umesh Yadav, Shahrukh Khan, Sushant Mishra, Kartik Tyagi, Manav Suthar, Spencer Johnson, Robin Minz.
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