Analysing the IPL 2025 auction strategy of Gujarat Titans (GT) based on players they have retained.
Gujarat Titans (GT) have retained five players before the IPL 2025 auction. They have already used INR 51 crores and still have INR 69 crores left to spend. Before looking at GT’s auction plans, let’s take a closer look at the players they retained and their skills.
- Shubman Gill: Shubman Gill, Gujarat Titans’ captain and key retention, is set to anchor the innings at the top of the order. Known for his ability to tackle both pace and spin, he can adapt his game to suit different situations, making him a reliable and versatile opener for the team.
- Rashid Khan: Rashid Khan, one of the most impactful T20 players, is a crucial retention for Gujarat Titans. As a spinner, he is a wicket-taker in all phases of the game and can bowl under pressure while controlling the flow of runs. His lower-order batting adds further value, making him a complete all-rounder for the team.
- Sai Sudharsan: Sai Sudharsan, one of the brightest young talents in the IPL, is a key retention for Gujarat Titans. Known for his ability to accumulate runs and adapt to different batting situations, he is particularly strong against spin and can find gaps all around the ground. While his pace game has been steadily improving, his power-hitting is expected to reach new heights in the upcoming season.
- Rahul Tewatia: Rahul Tewatia is an explosive lower-order batter, known for his powerful hitting against pace bowlers. Though his bowling role has reduced, he can still provide some overs with the ball in certain phases. His all-round abilities make him a valuable asset.
- Shahrukh Khan: Shahrukh Khan impressed as a finisher last season and performs best when given time to settle. Though his off-spin is limited by the Impact Player rule, he remains a valuable all-rounder and a strong long-term investment.
Also Read: Which Players will KKR Target in IPL 2025 Auction with INR 51 Crore Purse? Analysing Full Kolkata Knight Riders Wishlist and Key Areas They Need to Fill
Right now, this is how Gujarat Titans’ Playing XI is set up:
- Shubman Gill
- ______________
- Sai Sudharsan
- _______________
- _______________
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rahul Tewatia
- Rashid Khan
- _______________
- _______________
- _______________
Now that the gaps are clear, we can now explore how Gujarat Titans might plan for the IPL 2025 Auction.
What do Gujarat Titans require in the IPL 2025 auction?
Role No.1 – An opener, preferably a LHB and should be prolific vs spin; bonus if he is a Wicket-keeper
- Ishan Kishan: Ishan Kishan is a great fit for GT with his ability to start quickly and handle pacers well. Partnering with his best friend Shubman Gill at the top, they can thrive together. He also adds value as a wicketkeeper.
- Devon Conway: Devon Conway is one of the best overseas players against spin. He can open the innings, maintain a solid strike rate, and also contribute as a wicketkeeper.
- Phil Salt: Phil Salt is a great option for the powerplay, known for his ability to play well against pace and hit big shots. He would pair well with Shubman Gill at the top of the order. Additionally, he can provide wicketkeeping options.
- Ben Duckett: Ben Duckett is a cost-effective pick who excels against spin and plays aggressively against pace. He can make the most of the powerplay and support Shubman Gill in playing his natural game.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a great powerplay aggressor, strong against pace and has improved his spin game. He also contributes as a wicketkeeper.
Role No.2 – A spin-hitter at No. 4 who is decent vs pace as well and some bowling value is a bonus
- Jacob Bethell: Jacob Bethell is effective against both spin and pace, showcasing a variety of shots. Additionally, he contributes with his left-arm finger spin.
- Nitish Rana: Nitish Rana would be a valuable addition, with his solid ability to handle spin in the middle overs. He also bowls off-spin and his left-handed batting adds variety to the lineup.
- Venkatesh Iyer: Venkatesh Iyer can open the innings or bat in the middle order, showcasing his ability against both pace and spin. He also provides valuable bowling options.
- Nehal Wadhera: Nehal Wadhera is one of the best options in this category. He is great against both pace and spin, and his left-handed batting adds variety.
- Deepak Hooda: Although Deepak Hooda’s IPL numbers may not reflect his full potential, he can still be a very dangerous player in the middle order due to his strong ability against spin and pace.
- Glenn Maxwell: Despite a tough run with RCB, Glenn Maxwell remains one of the top all-rounders. His explosive batting can turn matches, and his handy spin bowling adds significant value to any team.
- Devdutt Padikkal: Devdutt Padikkal could be a strong choice at number 4, proficient against spin and pace, offering the advantage of being an Indian left-handed batter.
Role No.3 – Pace-hitters for No.5
- David Miller: GT will likely aim to bring back David Miller, a proven middle and lower-order batter with the ability to turn games around. His left-handed batting adds variety to the lineup, making him a valuable asset.
- Azmatullah Omarzai: Azmatullah is emerging as a strong all-rounder with his recent form. GT will likely look to buy him back as he can bowl in both the powerplay and middle overs, and bat at No. 4 or No. 5.
- Marcus Stoinis: Marcus Stoinis has experience batting in both the top and middle order. He is solid against pace and competent against spin, making him a strong finisher. Additionally, he offers useful medium pace in the middle overs.
- Liam Livingstone: Liam Livingstone is a powerful hitter who can also bowl useful off-spin and leg-spin. Additionally, he offers flexibility in his batting position.
Role No.4 – A finger spinner with some batting value
- Harpreet Brar: One of the top defensive spinners in the country, Harpreet Brar is known for his ability to bowl tight lines and consistently deliver four overs. He also provides solid batting value, making him an ideal target for any team looking for a reliable all-rounder.
- Akeal Hosein: Akeal Hosein is one of the top defensive spinners globally, with consistent performances and effective variations, especially against hard hitters. He is also a capable batter and can bowl in the powerplay as well.
- Keshav Maharaj:Keshav Maharaj is effective against both right-handed and left-handed batters, with good bowling intelligence. He can also contribute with the bat when needed.
- Shahbaz Ahmed: Shahbaz Ahmed is a solid budget pick. He bowls tight, defensive lines and can be effective with the ball. His batting shows promise, adding value in multiple aspects.
- Sai Kishore: Sai Kishore is one of the top defensive spinners in the country, capable of bowling in tight situations. He also offers some bowling options. His price may not be high, and GT will likely look to bring him back as a quality middle-overs operator.
- Krunal Pandya: Krunal Pandya is an experienced IPL player who can make valuable contributions with the bat and bowl tight overs at an economical rate.
- Wanindu Hasaranga:Wanindu Hasaranga is a talented leg-spinner in good form, with the added benefit of contributing with the bat. However, his recent injury concerns could pose a challenge.
Also Read: 4 Indian Leg-Spinners Set for Big Payday at the IPL 2025 Auction
Role No.5 – A powerplay specialist pacer
- Trent Boult: Trent Boult can address powerplay bowling concerns and offer solid control in the slog overs. While his price may be high due to competition from multiple teams, his quality makes him a valuable target, and with a strong purse, GT could pursue him.
- Mitchell Starc: Starc can provide early breakthroughs and bowl effectively in the death overs, although he can be vulnerable at times. However, he has consistently performed well in big games. His price is expected to be lower than in the previous auction.
- Khaleel Ahmed: Khaleel Ahmed is a powerplay specialist known for his ability to swing the new ball and his left-arm angle. He has delivered solid performances in recent seasons of the league.
- Spencer Johnson: Spencer Johnson is known for generating significant movement with the new ball. He has also made notable improvements in the death overs, displaying strong bowling intelligence.
- Mohammed Siraj: Siraj brings vast experience and is one of the top options available. He can perform well in various phases of the game, including the powerplay and death overs when needed.
Role No.6 – A death-overs specialist, preferably an Indian
- T. Natarajan: T. Natarajan is one of the top death-over bowlers in the competition, with excellent control over his yorkers and effective slower balls. Given the team’s likeliness for Tamil Nadu players, they should target him.
- Harshal Patel: Harshal Patel is still one of the best options, though he can be vulnerable at times. His ability to mix a variety of slower balls effectively makes him a valuable asset.
- Mohammed Shami: Despite his injury concerns, Mohammed Shami is still a reliable choice for death overs. He is also effective in the powerplay and middle overs, offering a well-rounded option. GT will likely target him again after missing his presence last season.
- Nathan Ellis: Nathan Ellis is one of the top T20 bowlers but didn’t get many opportunities recently. However, Australia’s versatile pacer has a range of variations and has proven himself in other leagues. He might come at a high price, but it would be a wise move to target him.
- Arshdeep Singh:Arshdeep Singh offers a complete package, swinging the new ball and showing excellent control over his yorkers. His inclusion would address GT’s powerplay and death-over concerns, areas they struggled with last season.
- Mohit Sharma: Mohit Sharma may not have had the best season, but he remains one of the top death-over bowlers in the league, given his expertise in that phase. GT will likely look to bring him back.
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