In the previous edition, the Gujarat Titans (GT) ended their journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a series of disappointing washouts against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), culminating in a finish outside the top four.
Challenging IPL 2024 season amidst significant changes
Gujarat’s IPL 2024 campaign marked a dramatic departure from their earlier successes, accumulating only 12 points and finishing with the one of the worst Net Run Rate (NRR) at eight position. This downturn followed a promising start with a championship win in 2022 and a runner-up finish in 2023. Key factors contributing to their struggles included:
- Loss of Key Players: The departure of Hardik Pandya to the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Mohammed Shami‘s season-ending injury created significant gaps in the squad. Pandya’s leadership and all-round skills were sorely missed, while Shami’s absence weakened the bowling attack.
- Injury and Trades Impact: The dual setbacks of losing a star player and facing a major injury disrupted team balance and strategy, intensifying the pressure on the remaining squad members.
- Shubman Gill’s Leadership: As the young captain, Shubman Gill faced increased scrutiny. Despite a challenging start, he managed to regain his form as the season progressed, showing resilience under pressure.
IPL 2025 mega auction: The 3+1 retention rule and strategic implications
As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, the Gujarat face a critical juncture. The retention rules for the auction are yet to be finalized, but speculation suggests that teams might be allowed to retain a minimum of four players, as in previous mega auctions. However, there are discussions about increasing this limit to eight players. The potential introduction of a 3+1 rule, allowing teams to retain three Indian players and one foreign player (or alternatively, two Indian and two foreign players), will significantly impact team strategies.
Also READ: IPL 2025 Auction: 4 Players SRH can retain as per the current ‘3+1’ rule
Key players likely to be retained by Gujarat Titans:
- Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan, the Afghanistan spin sensation, is a prime candidate for retention. His vast experience and game-changing abilities make him indispensable. With 56 wickets in 45 matches for GT and a hat-trick in IPL 2023, Rashid’s contributions have been pivotal. His role as a leader and his explosive lower-order batting add to his value. Despite the captaincy change, Rashid’s retention is crucial for maintaining the team’s competitive edge. - Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill, who stepped into the captaincy role after Pandya’s departure, is likely to be retained. Despite a challenging season, Gill’s batting record is impressive. He scored 483 runs in his debut season, 890 runs in 2023, and 426 runs in 2024. His consistency, particularly at the Narendra Modi Stadium, underscores his importance to the team. Gill’s leadership potential and batting prowess make him a central figure for the franchise’s future. - Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami’s absence in IPL 2024 highlighted his importance to the Titans. His experience and effectiveness in various phases of the game make him a critical asset. Shami’s impact on the team’s performance was evident during his injury, emphasizing his value. His retention is essential for restoring stability and strength to the team’s bowling attack. - Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan is a promising young talent likely to be retained. His impressive performances, with 1034 runs in 25 games at a strike rate of 139.16, demonstrate his potential. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed, coupled with his strong performances in IPL 2023 and 2024 and the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2024, makes him a valuable long-term asset for the Gujarat.
Also READ: IPL 2025 Auction: 4 players DC can retain as per the current ‘3+1’ rule
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