Mohammed Shami’s absence from IPL 2024 due to injury and ongoing recovery has left a significant gap to be filled. Here are some potential players who could step up to fill the void left by the IPL stalwart.
1. Varun Aaron
Varun Aaron, once known as the fastest bowler in Indian cricket, recently made the decision to retire from red-ball domestic cricket. However, he intends to continue showcasing his skills in white-ball formats. With 18 appearances for India, Aaron has managed to claim 29 wickets. Additionally, his contributions in the Indian Premier League (IPL) span across 52 matches, where he has taken 44 wickets, with his best bowling figures being 3/16.
During the IPL 2022 season, Aaron represented the Gujarat Titans, playing a vital role in their championship victory. Despite his notable performances, he remained unsold in the IPL auctions for both 2023 and 2024 editions. Nevertheless, Aaron remains a formidable force on the field, displaying his ability to generate pace and deliver effective variations, including a well-executed slower ball.
His experience and continued agility make him a valuable asset, particularly for the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024, where his pace and skill set could prove instrumental, especially in compensating for the absence of Shami, another prominent fast bowler.
2. Kamlesh Nagarkoti
Kamlesh Nagarkoti, who was Ishan Porel’s teammate during the 2018 U19 World Cup representing India, garnered attention for his ability to consistently bowl at speeds exceeding 140 kilometers per hour. His remarkable talent earned him an IPL contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he featured in 12 matches before also representing the Delhi Capitals. However, Nagarkoti’s quest for pace led to recurring back stress fractures, hampering his progress.
Despite his injury setbacks, Nagarkoti has made a successful return to fitness. However, eyebrows were raised when he remained unsold in the IPL 2024 auction. Despite featuring in 25 T20 matches and claiming 19 wickets, his performances in the shorter format have not been exceptional. Nonetheless, Nagarkoti’s undeniable skill and potential make him a viable candidate for the Gujarat Titans if he is signed as a replacement, potentially emerging as an unexpected asset for the team.
3. Ishan Porel
Ishan Porel’s journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been marred by unfortunate circumstances, with the talented pacer only getting the chance to play in one match throughout his career. Porel rose to prominence during the U19 World Cup in 2018, where he showcased his bowling prowess and caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. However, while his U19 teammates such as Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, Shivam Mavi, and Arshdeep Singh went on to represent the senior Indian team, Porel’s progress was hindered by injuries.
In the IPL, Porel’s stint was brief, having played just one match for the Punjab Kings in 2021. Despite his potential, he could only manage to secure one wicket while conceding 39 runs. Following his IPL debut, Porel faced setbacks due to a combination of injuries and fluctuations in form, leading to a lack of visibility in subsequent seasons. His struggles were evident during the IPL 2024 auction, where he remained unsold, further prolonging his wait for another opportunity in the league.
However, the recent exclusion of Mohammed Shami from the Punjab Kings squad may present a glimmer of hope for Porel to resurrect his IPL career. With a track record of 29 T20 matches under his belt, during which he has claimed 40 wickets, Porel possesses the skills and experience to make a significant impact on the field. Notably, his commendable economy rate of 7.17 adds to his value as a potent bowling option.
Given Shami’s absence, there is a potential opening for Porel to step up and fill the void in the Punjab Kings’ bowling lineup. His consistent performances and ability to deliver under pressure make him a viable candidate for consideration by the team management. As the Gujarat Titans look to regroup and strengthen their squad for future IPL seasons, Porel’s name could feature prominently on their radar as a capable substitute for the seasoned campaigner Shami.
In conclusion, while Ishan Porel’s IPL journey may have faced setbacks, the talented pacer remains determined to make his mark in the league. With the right opportunity and support, Porel has the potential to emerge as a key player for his franchise and carve out a successful career in the IPL arena.