Last Updated on 1 year by Charbel Coorey

Opinion: 3 reasons why Gujarat Titans (GT) could dominate the IPL in the future | Why GT can dominate the IPL in the coming years

Gujarat Titans (GT) may have lost the IPL 2023 Final in heartbreaking fashion, but their terrific season highlighted just how well set they are for the coming seasons. They have built a strong squad, with their balance the envy of other teams who are aiming to get back in the playoffs in IPL 2024.

Why GT can dominate the IPL in the coming years

With this in mind, here are three key reasons why GT can dominate the IPL for the next few years at least:

1. A good mix of youth and experience

Gujarat Titans have some highly talented youngsters in their setup, while also having a number of seasoned campaigners. In the game Wriddhiman Saha became the oldest ever to score a 50 in an IPL Final, Sai Sudharsan became the second youngest to do the same.

Noor Ahmad, who had played just three games for Afghanistan before this season of the IPL, had Rashid Khan to learn from and talk to when things went wrong. Sai Sudharsan, who is only 21 years old, had a vastly experienced Wriddhiman Saha to get guidance from. Joshua Little had Mohammad Shami and Mohit Sharma to learn a few tricks.

This is what the Indian Premier League has always been about, and this is how the Gujarat Titans are developing their players. The youngsters are constantly learning from those who have won it all in the past, and this may be one of the secrets behind their success.

2. Having the best players in each department

Whether it is opening batters in question or finishers down the order, pacers to bowl up front or spinners to choke the opposition, the Gujarat Titans have to their disposal the best in business. No matter what the category is, they have all bases covered.

In Shubman Gill, they have someone who is already being seen as the successor to Virat Kohli, and those are certainly not easy boots to fill. That is enough proof of the potential this man possesses.

In David Miller, they have one of the most experienced big hitters in T20 cricket. The left-handed batter averages a remarkable 75.2 when chasing for Gujarat Titans, while striking at almost 150.

In Mohammad Shami, they have one of India’s best pacers ever. His excellent seam position has given him success not only in red-ball cricket, but also in T20 cricket. The 32-year old proved his mettle in the 2023 season and won the Purple Cap.

Lastly, they have someone who has arguably cemented his status as the greatest T20 bowler ever at just 24 years of age, Rashid Khan. The spinner from Afghanistan has won games for every single team he has played for, and is a true asset for any side that he plays for.

3. A natural leader in Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya led Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title in 2022 in what was the franchise’s first season ever. He is someone who has shown constant improvement as a captain.

In terms of accomplishments, not many can come close to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, but purely on the basis of their styles of leadership, one can surely see a bit of Dhoni in Hardik Pandya. The way Pandya has matured over the last two years is simply commendable. He, like any other captain, has the desire to win games and championships. But, he has shown extraordinary calmness on the field.

Let us take the recently concluded IPL Final as an example. After Ravindra Jadeja hit a four off the last delivery to clinch the title for Chennai Super Kings, Pandya went up to hug Mohit Sharma with a smile on his face. He knew how well Mohit had bowled, and even though the last delivery was a freebie, he decided to acknowledge him for the good balls that he had bowled. Hardik could also be seen clapping and appreciating an Ajinkya Rahane shot that went for a six.

Just two years back, Hardik would have reacted very differently to a bad delivery from the bowler or a sloppy fielding effort. His development as a person, and as a leader, has been heartening to see. He has displayed sportsman spirit and composure of the highest order, be it by appreciating the opponents or by backing his own players. He is an entertaining character, and a natural leader.