The initial matches of the IPL 2022 are coming to an end with almost all franchises having a couple of games under their belt. The teams are beginning to make sense of the the squad compositions and trying to find the right balance for their teams. With a few overseas players to still arrive, the teams look to strengthen their playing 11 with the best possible combinations.
Is Gujarat Titans playing their best 11 ?
The Gujarat Titans have played 2 games and won both comfortably, contrary to the expectations of few critics and analysts. However, their middle order has come under scrutiny. They won against Delhi in the first game and Lucknow in the second. Hardik Pandya scored 31 off 27 in the first game and 33 off 28 in the second game, batting at no. 4. Due to lack off anchor batsmen in the middle order, Pandya is forced to come out at no.4 and has to play saving his wicket. He is cannot be the enforcer which he normally is in no. 6 and play the big innings.
This was highlighted by noted cricket analyst, Harsha Bhogle, in the tweet after the send game. He suggested that the Titans need to find some else at 4 and be the anchor. Pandya cannot possibly be the guy who plays the 31 off 27 balls innings. He should play to his strength and be the demolisher. He left a question for the cricket fans and lovers on Twitter asking whether Gujarat Titans had an option who could possibly bat at 4 and relieve Pandya of this responsibility.
Twitter throws possible solutions
The fans agreed with Bhogle’s analysis and attempted to provide some solutions. One person suggested that the only possible solution was Abhinav Manohar to play up the order, at no. 4 and let Pandya come as a finisher. Many others concurred with this view. Someone suggested David Miller as an option but his struggles against spin could limit his chances. There was also suggestions to play Abhinav Manohar at 3 and drop Vijay Shankar to 6 0r 7. This would give Pandya the much needed support and ease his job.
They should try Abhinav Manohar or Tewatia at No 4 from next match with Miller at 5 & Hardik at 6. Your thoughts, @bhogleharsha sir??
— Sandesh Balan (@sandeshbalan) April 2, 2022
Miller can play that type of innings but he might struggle against spinners. Abhinav manohar is the best person at 4 for GT
— BLACK PANTHER (@itzz__Black) April 2, 2022
Abhinav manohar need to play at 3 & Shankar should be played at 6-7
— KL fan 😎🖤💪 (@kLRahul15983288) April 2, 2022
Their problem starts when they bat someone like Shankar at 3. Rather have someone like Manohar at 3, Miller, Wade & Pandya can shuffle at 4, 5 & 6 depending upon the situation followed by Tewatia at 7 & Rashid Khan at 8.
Play Saha as an opener & give him the freedom to smash.
— Advaitya Chandhoke (@AdvaityaC) April 2, 2022
Why don’t they try Abhinav Manohar at 4th palce and pandya at 5 or 6? Which brings fire work at death overs
— Sangamesh G P (@SangameshGP1) April 2, 2022
