IPL 2024: Matthew Wade to miss first Gujarat Titans game in order to prioritise Sheffield Shield final
Gujarat Titans are set to play their opening encounter in IPL 2024 against Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad.
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Matthew Wade will not be featuring in Gujarat Titans' first game in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as he has prioritized playing in the Sheffield Shield final.
Wade has been a part of the Titans since their debut in the 2022 edition of the cash-rich league. In 2022, he played 10 matches and scored 157 runs at an average of 15.70 and a strike rate of 113.77. Last year, he didn't get a chance to play any match in the tournament. While Gujarat won the coveted IPL title in 2022, last year, they finished runner-up after losing a thrilling final against Chennai Super Kings at home.
The 36-year-old has decided to prioritize playing in the Sheffield Shield final for Tasmania. Wade's domestic team is assured of a place in the summit clash in the Shield and is also in line to host the all-important encounter. Their last triumph in the prestigious tournament came in the 2012-2013 season.
The final is scheduled to be held from March 21-25. Therefore, Wade may only miss Gujarat's first game against five-time champions Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 24. If the Shield final finishes on March 25, Wade's participation in the March 26 clash between Gujarat and Chennai could be tight. The Shubman Gill-led side will play their third game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 31.
Wade, who has occasionally led the Australian team in the T20 format, can play a much bigger role for Gujarat this year. He batted in the top order during IPL 2022 and couldn't find success. However, his performances in the lower order for his national team have been impressive. Gujarat have proven finishers like David Miller and Rahul Tewatia in their ranks. If they can fit in Wade, it would give a much stronger look to their batting department.
The 17th season of the IPL gets underway with defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk on Friday, March 22.
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