IPL 2023: Best Starting Playing XI of Gujarat Titans after mini-auction
Hardik Pandya-led side added some experienced and in-form players at the mini-auction to defend the title in the next edition.
7. Matthew Wade
Matthew Wade is known for his ferocious batting style and agility behind wickets. The wicketkeeper- batter was bought by GT at INR 2.40 crore at the 2022 mega auction. Counting on his ability to play rapid knocks, GT assigned him the task to open the innings with Shubman Gill. Appearing in the league after 11 years, the Aussie failed as an opener scoring only 68 runs in five matches.
Noting his disappointing figures as an opener, he was dropped and replaced by Wriddhiman Saha. After missing a few games, the team management believed in the left-handed batter again and included him in the playing XI. But again, he delivered disappointing figures to the team, batting at number three.
Amassing only 157 runs in 10 games of the season, at a horrendous strike rate of 113.76, he disappointed his franchise. However, the franchise decided to go ahead with him in 2023 despite his awful figures in the last season. This year, he toured India again in September to play a T20I series for his country against the Men in Blue. Doing his national duty, the veteran played a couple of rapid knocks against the hosts and showcased his capability to play on Indian pitches too.
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