Gujarat Titans bring in Shanaka as Williamson's replacement

Gujarat Titans have brought in Sri Lanka’s white-ball captain Dasun Shanaka as a replacement for the injured Kane Williamson for the ongoing 2023 Indian Premier League. Signed for his base price of INR 50 lakh, this will be his maiden IPL season.

In the tournament opener against Chennai Super Kings, Williamson attempted to catch Ruturaj Gaikwad on the deep square-leg boundary in the 13th over but landed awkwardly on his right knee and was helped off the field by his teammates after receiving initial treatment on the field. 

Talking about Shanaka, the 31-year-old has slammed 3702 runs in 181 T20s at an average of just over 28 and a strike rate of 141.94. On top of that, the seam-bowling all-rounder also has 59 wickets at an economy of 8.8.

He was on fire in the recent T20I series in India, smashing 124 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 187 while averaging 62. He was also Sri Lanka's leading run-scorer in the subsequent ODI series, scoring 121 runs in three innings.

Shanaka, however, is currently involved in a three-match T20I series in New Zealand, which will only get over on April 8.

The Titans, who won the title in their maiden season last year, have got their IPL 2023 campaign off to a winning start, beating Chennai Super Kings by five wickets at home.