The Gujarat Titans (GT), who made history by winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) title in their debut season in 2022, have finalized their core squad for IPL 2025 by retaining five players. The franchise spent INR 51 crore on these retentions, leaving them with INR 69 crore for the upcoming mega auction and one Right to match (RTM) card. Their retention strategy reflects a focus on building around a mix of seasoned performers and emerging talent.
Retained players and costs
Among the retained players, Rashid Khan is the most expensive, with a retention cost of INR 18 crore. He remains the franchise’s backbone, offering unmatched consistency with the ball. Newly appointed captain Shubman Gill, a pivotal figure in the batting lineup, was retained for INR 16.5 crore, taking a slight pay cut as Rashid was prioritized as the top pick. Promising batter Sai Sudharsan, now a capped player, was retained for INR 8.5 crore, a reflection of his recent rise in stature. Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan will handle finishing duties, retained for INR 4 crore each, who add depth to the lower order with their explosive abilities.
Despite their earlier contributions, several big names were released by GT. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, a key figure in previous campaigns, was also let go, signaling GT’s focus on a younger bowling core. Additionally, South African star David Miller, renowned for his middle-order stability, was not retained, leaving room for GT to explore more versatile options during the auction.
Auction focus and strategy
Following a disappointing bottom-three finish in IPL 2024, the GT are keen to rebuild a competitive side. Strengthening the bowling unit, particularly after Shami’s departure, will be a primary goal. They are also expected to target experienced middle-order batters to fill the void left by Miller. The franchise is backing Gill in his captaincy role by surrounding him with seasoned campaigners and young talent. With a healthy auction purse and a clear strategy, GT is well-positioned to make significant moves to regain their winning momentum.
IPL 2025: 5 players Gujarat Titans (GT) can target in the mega auction
1. Mohammed Shami
GT sorely missed Shami in IPL 2024, with his absence impacting their bowling attack. The seasoned pacer, who claimed 28 wickets in 17 matches during GT’s successful campaigns, remains one of the best Indian pace options. With an RTM card available, Gujarat could use it to bring back Shami, who offers leadership to the bowling unit and reliability in critical phases of the game. His return could anchor a rejuvenated bowling lineup.
2. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan could be an ideal replacement for Wriddhiman Saha, who has been instrumental for GT but is nearing the end of his career. Kishan, with his explosive batting at the top and wicketkeeping skills, complements Gill perfectly, offering a left-hand-right-hand combination. Kishan’s ability to dominate powerplay overs, both against pace and spin, aligns with Gujarat’s strategy. The camaraderie he shares with Gill makes him an attractive prospect. Notably, GT had aggressively pursued Kishan in the IPL 2022 auction, and a renewed effort could solidify their top order.
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3. Mitchell Starc
Starc could be a game-changer for GT, providing world-class bowling in the powerplay and at the death. In the last auction, GT narrowly missed out on Starc to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and instead settled for Spencer Johnson, a decision that didn’t pay dividends. Starc’s stellar performance in the IPL 2024 playoffs underscored his value, and GT might prioritize securing him this time. If Starc proves elusive, alternative targets like Trent Boult or Kagiso Rabada could be pursued to strengthen their pace attack.
4. Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone, a destructive batter in the second half of the innings, brings immense firepower to the middle order. His ability to clear the boundary effortlessly, coupled with his part-time spin, makes him a versatile asset. Livingstone also adds experience to GT’s relatively young squad, providing stability in pressure situations. With his wide array of shots and a proven record in global T20 leagues, he could address GT’s need for a dependable finisher.
5. Rasikh Salam
Rasikh Salam, an emerging pacer who has previously represented Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC), could be a valuable addition to GT. Salam was India’s leading wicket-taker in the Emerging Asia Cup 2024, demonstrating his ability to thrive under pressure. With his raw pace and potential to develop into a strike bowler, he offers a long-term solution for GT’s pace department. Grooming him alongside experienced bowlers could prepare him to lead the attack in the future.
