5 players GT should release after IPL 2024 ft. Wriddhiman Saha & Umesh Yadav
Gujarat Titans (GT) had their first disappointing season since inception in IPL 2024, finishing with only 12 points from 14 games. They won five and lost seven with two no results in a season marred by inconsistencies and a lack of cohesion.
While they thrilled fans by pulling off a few spectacular wins, GT were largely inept at putting together a string of victories to make any serious playoff push. GT enjoyed tremendous in the past two seasons, winning the title in 2022 and finishing runners-up last year.
However, the off-season trade of their skipper Hardik Pandya to the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the absence of Mohammed Shami left a massive hole this season. Yet, the squad boasted several renowned names that did not live up to their billing, resulting in several off-season questions for IPL 2025.
New skipper Shubman Gill did an admirable job of keeping the team in the playoff hunt after the first half of the season before they eventually faded away.
With the Mega Auction set for later this year, GT have a daunting task to build a core of players for the next three years. For starters, they must identify the present or past international star names to be released before the auction after weighing recent performances, age, and other factors.
Without further delay, let us jump right to it and find out the 5 key players GT should release after IPL 2024.
#1 Wriddhiman Saha
Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha has been among the most underrated cricketers in Indian cricket and the IPL.
The 39-year-old has been part of the IPL since its maiden edition in 2008, playing vital roles in Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) before moving to Gujarat Titans in 2022.
Saha scored 300+ runs for GT in 2022 and 2023, forming a formidable opening partnership with Shubman Gill. However, the 2024 IPL season was a struggle for the experienced campaigner, scoring only 136 runs at an average of 15.11 and a strike rate of 118.26 in 9 games.
His struggles to get GT off to good starts eventually led to his dropping for the final few games.
With age and form not on his side, it would be hard for GT not to release Saha after this season despite his massive contributions to their success in the previous two editions.
#2 Umesh Yadav
Like Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav may be past his best days in the IPL after another sub-par season with GT.
The 36-year-old pacer was acquired by the franchise for a whopping ₹ 5.80 crore at the IPL 2024 Mini Auction. With Shami out due to injury, Umesh was expected to help mitigate GT's issues with the ball in the powerplay.
However, he was expensive throughout the season, conceding runs at an economy rate of 10, while picking up only eight wickets in seven outings. Shami should be back in action for GT next season, assuming he is retained, which further lessens the requirement for Umesh.
Umesh might still be able to add value to other franchises but GT might be better off releasing him and looking for younger and better death-bowling options in the pace department.
#3 Matthew Wade
Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade hasn't lived up to his reputation as a T20 match-winner for GT in his three seasons with the franchise.
Acquired by them in 2022, the 36-year-old averaged only 15.70 during their title run and did not play a single game last season. Wade continued his struggles in the IPL, averaging a dismal four at a strike rate of 66.66 in two games this season.
With such a lack of production and numerous overseas wicketkeeping options in the T20 market, it is hard to see GT not releasing Wade during this off-season.
#4 Vijay Shankar
After years of poor batting form in the IPL, Vijay Shankar finally enjoyed a terrific run for GT in 2023. The Tamil Nadu-born all-rounder scored over 300 runs for the first time in his IPL career last year.
However, with much expected out of him in the absence of Hardik Pandya, Shankar flattered to deceive in IPL 2024. The 32-year-old scored only 83 runs at an average of 16.60 and a strike rate of 115.27 in 7 games. His dismal run was a key reason behind GT's problems in the middle and end-overs.
Shankar's three-year run with the franchise should end after IPL 2024 as the team looks to address their middle-order frailties with younger blood and more in-form batters.
#5 Jayant Yadav
It is easy to forget that off-spinner Jayant Yadav played six Tests for Team India and picked up 16 wickets, considering his lack of time for GT over the last three seasons.
Despite GT boasting no other specialist off-spinner, Jayant has played only the lone game in his three years with the franchise. The 34-year-old did not play a single game this season even as the side struggled to win matches.
While his lack of play remains incomprehensible, the franchise will likely release Jayant and look to acquire a younger off-spinning option for the future.