Gujarat Titans made their intent clear well before the auction by retaining four Indian players, along with Rashid Khan, who was their highest-paid retention. The clarity in their strategy was evident as the 2022 IPL champions approached the auction in Jeddah.
From the outset, securing a wicketkeeper-batter was a priority, and they succeeded by acquiring Jos Buttler for an impressive Rs 15.75 crore. Additionally, they strengthened their core by bringing in marquee players like Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada.
With a focus on bolstering their pace attack, Titans also added Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Ishant Sharma and Kulwant Khejroliya to their roster. On Day 2, they balanced their line-up with the inclusion of spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar for Rs 3.20 crore.
Beyond their star acquisitions, GT invested in utility players like Glenn Phillips, Mahipal Lomror, R Sai Kishore, Karim Janat, Arshad Khan and Gerald Coetzee. They also secured valuable back-ups, including Nishant Sindhu, Jayant Yadav and Manav Suthar, ensuring depth and flexibility in their squad.
Hits
Jos Buttler
Since 2022, no overseas batter has dominated the IPL scene quite like Jos Buttler. His addition is a significant boost for GT. If the team opts for an opening combination of Shubman Gill and Buttler, the former can play a measured role, allowing Buttler to be the enforcer. Additionally, Buttler will take up wicketkeeping duties and contribute to the leadership group.
Sherfane Rutherford
Rutherford has been in outstanding form in white-ball cricket and is set to be David Miller’s replacement in the team. Just before his name came up at the auction, he became the first batter to score a century in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. The left-hander is a reliable and explosive option in the middle-order, capable of delivering under pressure, much like Rahul Tewatia.
Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna
Considering the pitch conditions in Ahmedabad, GT were always likely to build a strong seam attack, and they succeeded admirably. Having two capped Indian bowlers in Siraj and Prasidh is a big positive. Combined with Rabada, the trio has the potential to dismantle any batting line-up during the Powerplay itself. Siraj is a proven wicket-taker with the new ball, while Prasidh can generate extra bounce on any surface.
Misses
GT covered most of their bases effectively, but the lack of a proven middle-order batter might be a concern. While Phillips, Mahipal Lomror, and Rutherford are all talented players, they lack IPL experience. However, apart from this, the squad appears well-balanced and ready for the upcoming season.
Overall rating: 7.5/10
GT IPL 2025 Squad: Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada (Rs. 10.75 crore), Jos Buttler (Rs. 15.75 crore). Mohammed Siraj (Rs. 12.25 crore), Prasidh Krishna (Rs. 9.50 crore), Nishant Sindhu (Rs. 30 lakh), Mahipal Lomror (Rs. 1.70 crore), Kumar Kushagra (Rs. 65 lakh), Anuj Rawat (Rs. 30 lakh), Manav Suthar (Rs. 30 lakh), Washington Sundar (Rs. 3.20 crore), Gerald Coetzee (Rs. 2.40 crore), Arshad Khan (Rs. 1.30 crore), Gurnoor Brar (Rs. 1.30 crore), Sherfane Rutherford (Rs. 2.60 crore), Sai Kishore (Rs. 2 crore), Ishant Sharma (Rs. 75 lakh), Jayant Yadav (Rs. 75 lakh), Glenn Phillips (Rs. 2 crore), Karim Janat (Rs. 75 lakh), Kulwant Khejroliya (Rs. 30 lakh).