Irfan Pathan, the former Indian cricket all-rounder, has put forward an intriguing proposition for the Gujarat Titans in the forthcoming IPL 2024. His recommendation? Afghanistan’s rising star, Azmatullah Omarzai, as a potential replacement for the departed Hardik Pandya, who created waves by rejoining the Mumbai Indians in a sensational trade.

Pathan’s reasoning stems from Omarzai’s remarkable performance in the Cricket World Cup 2023, where the Afghan player showcased his talent by amassing 353 runs across 9 matches while also claiming 9 crucial wickets. This outstanding all-round display caught the attention of many, including Pathan, who sees Omarzai as a standout contender to fill the void left by Pandya in the Gujarat Titans’ lineup.

Expressing his thoughts on Star Sports, Pathan highlighted the absence of a leader and a dynamic player adept in both batting and bowling in the Titans’ roster after Pandya’s departure. He stressed the importance of finding a player who could seamlessly blend both aspects of the game, emphasizing the significance of this dual proficiency.

Pathan’s belief in Omarzai’s potential at Gujarat Titans is underpinned by the prospect of pairing him with another Afghan sensation, Rashid Khan. He envisions a synergistic collaboration between the two compatriots, which he believes could significantly elevate the team’s performance.

Also, Pathan delved into Gujarat Titans’ strategic requirements for the upcoming season, pinpointing the necessity for a skilled fast bowler to fortify their bowling unit. He specifically mentioned Harshal Patel, who was released by the Royal Challengers Bangalore, as a viable addition to the squad. Pathan highlighted the vulnerability in Gujarat’s pace department, especially with certain key bowlers, like Deepak Chahar, prone to injuries. Patel’s inclusion, according to Pathan, could offer the team stability and depth in the fast bowling department.