Mohammed Shami made our jobs easier: Rashid Khan

Gujarat Titans have had a turbulent start to the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) season. With three wins and as many losses, the former champions are placed at No. 6 on the points table.

According to fans and experts, the former champions are feeling the absence of last year's Purple Cap winner Mohammed Shami, who is recovering after undergoing surgery in February for his right heel issue. Rashid Khan, who has been an integral part of the franchise since its inception in 2022, acknowledged that the star Indian pacer's ability to pick early wickets made things easier for the other Gujarat bowlers.

"Shami played a main role for us in the last two seasons, both with the new ball and old ball, and the way he has delivered for the team actually made mine and others job easier, especially in the middle overs," Rashid was quoted as saying by India Today.

In two seasons with the Titans, Shami picked up 48 wickets from 33 matches. He is the second-highest wicket-taker for the franchise after Rashid. Last year, the experienced seamer finished as the leading wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023. Since the final against Australia, Shami has been on the sidelines. Ahead of IPL 2024, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the Bengal speedster won't be able to take part in the much-awaited franchise tournament.

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Sometimes result doesn't go your way: Rashid Khan

Gujarat Titans (GT) have been a very consistent team since its inaugural season. However, because their IPL 2024 campaign hasn't been going very smoothly, questions are being raised as to what could be the reasons behind the same. Rashid, a T20 veteran, knows how the game works and he noted that results don't always go in favour of one team.

"We have started the season with a positive mindset and everyone is taking responsibility and delivering best for team but sometimes result doesn't go your way but we are quite happy with bowling unit,” the ace Afghan leg spin wizard continued.

"T20 is all about making right decisions at the right time. Spencer Johnson, Darshan Nalkande, Azmat (Omarzai), Umesh (Yadav) have all delivered and most importantly, Mohit (Sharma) bhai as well," Khan concluded.

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In their last game, the Titans ended the four-match unbeaten run of Rajasthan Royals as they handed the inaugural champions their first defeat of the season. Shubman Gill and Co. would want to build on the momentum when they take on Delhi Capitals on Wednesday, April 17, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.