Titans (GT) have signed Sandeep Warrier to replace Mohammed Shami, while Mumbai Indians (MI) have signed Kwena Maphaka to the roster as a substitute for Dilshan Madushanka for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024.
Shami, the renowned Indian pacer, recently underwent successful surgery for a right heel problem and is now healing. His successor, Sandeep Warrier, has played five IPL matches and will join GT for Rs 50 lakh.
Shami has not played competitive cricket since last year’s ODI World Cup final, which India lost by six wickets against Australia.
As for Warrier, the 32-year-old has played five IPL matches since 2019, grabbing two wickets at an economy of 7.88.
“Shami – the veteran Indian pacer – recently successfully underwent surgery for his right heel problem and is currently recovering,” read a statement from IPL.
“His replacement, Sandeep Warrier, has so far played 5 IPL matches and will join GT for his base price of INR 50 Lac.” GT will be his fourth IPL franchise, having previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians.
Warrier joins a squad of fast bowlers that includes Mohit Sharma, Josh Little, Umesh Yadav, Spencer Johnson, Kartik Tyagi, Darshan Nalkande, and Sushant Mishra.
The Titans will also be without Matthew Wade for the first two games, as the keeper-batter is expected to play for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield final. Jharkhand batsman Robin Minz is also in doubt. Shubman Gill will lead the two-time finalists and IPL 2022 champions this season, following Hardik Pandya’s departure to Mumbai Indians. The two teams will square off in their season opener on Sunday evening.
GT will play their IPL 2024 opener against Mumbai Indians on March 24.