The IPL 2024 season is set to kick off on March 22 with a match between RCB and defending champions CSK in Chennai. However, the IPL 17 has faced challenges with injuries to key players across franchises and player withdrawals.

On their official social media platforms, the IPL announced that Gujarat Titans (GT), finalists of last year’s IPL, have named a replacement for the injured pacer Mohammad Shami.

Shami underwent surgery for an Achilles injury that had been troubling him since the World Cup 2023, leading to his exclusion from the IPL tournament. Consequently, the GT franchise has selected Sandeep Warrier as his replacement. Warrier, who has participated in 5 IPL matches, will join GT for his base price of INR 50 Lac.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have faced a setback with the injury of Sri Lankan left-arm pacer Dilshan Madhushanka. Madhushanka sustained a left hamstring injury during his team’s second ODI against Bangladesh on March 15.

To fill his absence, Mumbai Indians have enlisted South Africa’s U19 pacer Kwena Maphaka as a replacement. Maphaka gained attention during the U19 World Cup, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with an impressive tally of 21 wickets. He was also awarded the Player of the Tournament title.

Maphaka joins the Mumbai Indians franchise for his base price of INR 50 lakhs.

🚨 UPDATE 🚨@gujarat_titans name Sandeep Warrier as replacement for Mohd. Shami; @mipaltan add Kwena Maphaka to squad for the injured Dilshan Madushanka.

Details 🔽 #TATAIPLhttps://t.co/hz4mEzdVNb

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 20, 2024