Much to Gujarat Titans` dismay, Kiwi batter Kane Williamson`s campaign in 2023 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was cut short as he has been ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a knee injury in their season opener against Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad. Speculations were rife that the side might opt for Australian star batter Steve Smith in Williamson`s place, but the top-order batter was not part of the IPL auction which negates his qualification chances. The Titans on Tuesday instead named Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as Williamson`s replacement. 

The explosive middle-order Shanaka, who also bowls right-arm seam, was purchased at his base price of Rs 50 lakh, after having gone unsold in the auction. The Sri Lankan limited overs skipper will make a maiden appearance in the tournament. He was in sublime form in the recently held T20I series in India where he smacked 124 runs at a strike rate of 187 and 121 runs in the ODI contest.