IPL 2023 Qualifier 2: “GT Should Play Abhinav Manohar Instead of Dasun Shanaka”- Virender Sehwag

Gujarat Titans’ all-rounder Dasun Shanaka hasn’t looked in a good form in the ongoing IPL 2023. Former Indian batter Virender Sehwag reckons that Shanaka has been disappointing in the tournament and Abhinav Manohar should be included in the GT playing XI in his place in IPL 2023 Qualifier 2.

Defending champions Gujarat Titans finished on the top of the IPL 2023 points table during the league phase with 20 points in 14 matches with 10 wins and 4 losses. However, they lost to MS Dhoni-led CSK by 15 runs in Qualifier 1 after which some question marks were raised on their playing XI.

“I’m not worried about the bowling too much. But I am worried about Dasun Shanaka, GT can play Odean Smith and Alzarri Joseph for him. Shanaka has been disappointing. We had big hopes from him and he hasn’t lived up to even 1 percent to those expectations. GT should play (Abhinav) Manohar instead of Shanaka, as he is a batter who can smash sixes,” Virender Sehwag told Cricbuzz.

Mumbai Indians will have to play well against Gujarat Titans: Virender Sehwag on IPL 2023 Qualifier 2

“When they go to Ahmedabad, Mumbai will have to play well against Gujarat Titans because they lost their previous match against MI at the Wankhede Stadium. I don’t think Mumbai will make a lot of changes,” the former batter discussed about the IPL 2023 Qualifier 2.

As Sehwag discussed, one of the weak points in the GT squad is all-rounder Dasun Shanaka who failed to have an impact in Qualifier 1 against CSK. Shanaka was dismissed for 17 runs off 16 balls and his mediocre innings allowed CSK to shift the momentum towards them.

Shanaka joined as the replacement for injured Kane Williamson and has played the last 3 games for the Gujarat Titans. However, he has failed to deliver for them and has registered a string of poor scores in the ongoing league.

The all-rounder has managed to muster only 26 runs in three matches for GT and hasn’t bowled at all. Gujarat Titans have the option to bring Joshua Little, Odean Smith or Alzarri Joseph in his place as their fourth overseas player in IPL 2023 Qualifier 2.