Predicting 6 players GT could retain for IPL 2025 ft. Shubman Gill
In September, the IPL Governing Council announced that each team could retain a maximum of six players for IPL 2025. The said retentions could be a combination of Indian and overseas players, including one Right to Match option.
Gujarat Titans (GT) lifted the cup in their inaugural season in the IPL in 2022 and were runners-up the following year. However, IPL 2024 did not go according to plan for GT as they finished eighth. But considering their success in the first two seasons, GT could look to retain the core of their team for IPL 2024.
On that note, here is a look at six players GT could retain for IPL 2025:
#1 Shubman Gill
Although Shubman Gill did not taste much success as a skipper in IPL 2024, his presence at the top of the order was vital for the team. Since 2020, Gill has scored 400-plus runs in each IPL season.
He won the coveted Orange Cap during IPL 2023 with 890 runs in 17 innings at an average of 59.33 and an impressive strike rate of 157.80.
Gill is one player who is certain to be on GT's retention list and the run-machine will look to play and captain the team for years to come.
#2 Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan is the second-highest wicket-taker in all T20s (613). He is next only to the now-retired Dwayne Bravo, who has 631 wickets.
Rashid has been an indispensable part of the GT team for the last three seasons and has picked up 56 wickets. His best performance was in IPL 2023 when we picked up 27 wickets.
The Afghan leg-spinner has tasted success in several T20 leagues and GT would not want to part with him.
Rashid also has a strike rate of almost 162 with the bat in 60 IPL innings and is a vital batter in the lower order, especially in the death overs.
#3 Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan is improving with every outing in the IPL. He made his IPL debut in 2022 and has not looked back.
In 25 IPL innings across three seasons, the top-order batter has scored 1034 runs at an average of 47 and a strike rate of 139.17. He smashed a brilliant century (103) against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during IPL 2024.
The 22-year-old has shown promise and maturity and looks set to be part of the franchise for years.
Based on his impressive performances for GT, Sai Sudarshan made his ODI debut for India in December 2023 and T20I debut against Zimbabwe in July 2024.
#4 David Miller
David Miller is one of the most accomplished finishers in the shortest format. He was one of the architects when GT won IPL 2022, scoring 481 runs at an average of 68.71 and a strike rate of around 142.
He scored 259 and 210 runs in IPL 2023 and 2024, respectively, and has proven to be a match-winner for GT.
Miller has single-handedly won GT several matches and his experience in the death overs is handy for the team.
The South African batter could feature on the retention list for GT for IPL 2025.
#5 Mohammed Shami
Mohammad Shami has been out of competitive cricket since his heroics in the World Cup 2023. He missed out on playing in IPL 2024 due to an injury.
Shami played a crucial role in the success of GT during IPL 2022 and 2023. He picked up 20 and 28 wickets respectively in both seasons and proved to be a true match-winner for his team, winning the Purple Cap in IPL 2023.
Shami, who can pick up wickets at any phase, is likely to get fit for IPL 2025 and GT would want to retain the pacer.
#6 Rahul Tewatia
Rahul Tewatia, with strike rates of 147.62, 152.63, and 145.74 in IPL 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively, has proven to be a match-winner for GT.
Tewatia can change the course of a match in an over or two and has scored runs at a quick rate against the best of the bowlers.
Tewatia has won a few games for GT with his power-hitting could be retained by the franchise for IPL 2025.