Defending champions Gujarat Titans have been struggling to defend totals this season and team's mentor Gary Kirsten has blamed it on an unsettled bowling line up. In the five games played so far, GT won three and the two defeats have come while defending totals.
"In the last IPL we defended four and chased down six games. This year we haven't defended a total yet but it is early days in the tournament. Last year we had a settled bowling line up. This year due to injuries and guys who we bank on in crucial overs, aren't necessarily ready to go," Kirsten said during a virtual press conference.
GT are probably missing New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson, who they have traded to Kolkata Knight Riders. (READ: Virat Kohli Becomes RCB Captain Again Vs PBKS; Faf Du Plessis To Play Only As Batter Due To This Reason)
"Every team needs to adapt to different situations you are confronted with and for us it's an opportunity to look at that area and potentially reset and make sure we have the right guys to do the job," he added.
"For me Mohit has really been an inspiration. He was part of last IPL essentially as a net bowler. For someone of his age to do that I think is remarkable. He is an incredible professional, puts a lot of time into his game. He has done really well in the last two games."
In the three matches he played so far, Shankar has scored 119 runs at an average of 59.50, while Mohit has picked up two wickets from as many games at an impressive economy rate of 4.16.
Asked about Kane Williamson, who suffered a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in right knee in his first match for GT and was subsequently ruled out of the event, Kirsten said: "Kane Williamson's absence will be definitely felt. He is a great player."
"He would have fitted really well into our team environment and what we stand for as a group. He will be missed. He is an experienced player and would have played an important role for us as a leader and as top-end batter."
Having said that Kirsten feels Williamson's injury came as a blessing in disguise for a young player like Sai Sudharsan, who has scored 176 runs from five games.
"That said it provides a great opportunity someone else to fill in that role and Sai Sudharsan has done a great job so far," he said.
"The fact that we retained him is a testament to the fact that he has massive potential. This year we wanted to go to the next step with him which is to give him more game time. The set of skills which he has is great, mentally he manages himself really well."
Kirsten On Shami's Workload
Kirsten played it safe when asked whether GT got any diktat from the BCCI or NCA on pacer Mohammed Shami's workload management.
"Not that I know. I am not necessarily involved at that level," he said.
Enquired about Shivam Mavi, who fetched Rs 6 crore contract from GT in the IPL auction earlier this year, Kirsten said he will get his chance in the coming games.
"He (Mavi) is available for selection. He is working really hard on his game in training. At any point he can be picked. Selection is largely around the types of skills an individual has that suits the conditions and opposition you are playing against."
GT will play Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Saturday.
