After a stellar start to their IPL journey, the Gujarat Titans (GT) faced a challenging 2024 season. Having reached the final in 2022 and 2023, their campaign took a downturn last year following the departure of their captain, Hardik Pandya, who was traded to Mumbai Indians. To make matters worse, ace pacer Mohammed Shami was ruled out due to injury, leaving a significant gap in their bowling attack. As a result, GT endured an underwhelming season.
Despite the setback, their record from 2022-24 remains formidable. With 28 wins from 45 matches, they emerged as the most successful team of that cycle, finishing at the top of the table in their first two seasons. Determined to bounce back, GT approached the IPL 2025 mega auction with a clear strategy, securing key players to strengthen their squad for the new cycle.
A Strategic Rebuild
Retaining Shubman Gill as their captain, Gujarat Titans ensured they held onto Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan, while Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, and Shahrukh Khan were also retained. This solid core allowed them to bid aggressively in the auction, resulting in major signings such as England’s Jos Buttler for INR 15.75 crore and South African pacer Kagiso Rabada for INR 10.75 crore.
Buttler’s inclusion significantly boosts GT’s top order, forming a dynamic opening pair with Gill, while Rabada’s arrival strengthens the pace attack alongside Rashid Khan. The franchise also made a big move for Indian speedster Mohammed Siraj, acquiring him for INR 12.25 crore. West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford was another notable addition, bringing an explosive finishing option to their middle order.
Further reinforcing their squad, GT secured all-rounder Washington Sundar, wicketkeeper-batter Glenn Phillips, South African pacer Gerald Coetzee, and left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore. Experienced fast bowler Ishant Sharma was also brought in, adding depth and leadership to the bowling unit. As in previous years, GT focused heavily on pacers, particularly those who hit the deck hard, while also bringing in a mix of all-rounders across different age groups.
Full Squad for IPL 2025
Batsmen & Wicketkeepers: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Glenn Phillips, Sherfane Rutherford
All-rounders: Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Mahipal Lomror, Nishant Sindhu
Spinners: Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Jayant Yadav
Pacers: Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gerald Coetzee, Ishant Sharma, Kulwant Khejroliya, Arshad Khan, Karim Janat, Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar
Probable Best XII
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Jos Buttler (wk)
- Sai Sudharsan
- Glenn Phillips
- Shahrukh Khan
- Washington Sundar
- Rahul Tewatia
- Rashid Khan
- Kagiso Rabada
- Prasidh Krishna
- Mohammed Siraj
- Mahipal Lomror / R Sai Kishore
Injury & Availability Concerns
South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has struggled with injuries over the past few months. A hamstring injury during the SA20 season limited him to just one game, and though he recovered in time to replace Anrich Nortje in the Champions Trophy squad, a groin injury sidelined him once again. While he is on the road to recovery, there is a chance he could miss the initial matches of the IPL 2025 season.
Key Players to Watch
Shubman Gill – A Point to Prove
Despite being considered India’s next batting superstar, Gill has struggled to cement his place in the national T20 setup. His omission from India’s current plans will serve as motivation, pushing him to showcase his prowess as a T20 batter while also proving his leadership credentials. With GT’s captaincy now firmly in his hands, he has the perfect stage to deliver a statement season.
Shahrukh Khan – The Breakout Star?
Shahrukh Khan’s explosive batting has been well-documented in India’s domestic circuit, particularly in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), which earned him an IPL contract. However, he has yet to consistently translate that potential into match-winning performances at the IPL level. The 2025 season could be his breakout year, providing him with the opportunity to make a significant impact.
Fixture Build-up & Key Matches
GT begins their IPL 2025 campaign with back-to-back home games, facing Punjab Kings on March 25 before taking on Mumbai Indians on March 29. Following this, they face a challenging period with four matches in quick succession, including three away games. However, after April 12, they enjoy a relatively lighter schedule, playing just three matches over two weeks. This break provides them with the chance to regroup and recharge before heading into a hectic final phase of the tournament.
A Stat to Watch at Home
While the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has been a fortress for Gujarat Titans, they have endured heartbreak in last-over finishes. Five of their seven IPL defeats at the venue have come in the final over, including two dramatic last-ball losses – Rinku Singh’s unforgettable five sixes against Yash Dayal (vs KKR) and Ravindra Jadeja’s heroics against Mohit Sharma in the IPL 2023 final (vs CSK).