Gujarat Titans Eye Key Players For IPL 2025 Retention Ahead Of Mega Auction

Gujarat Titans (GT) concluded their IPL 2024 league stage with consecutive washouts against Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad. This left them outside the top four, accumulating only 12 points and the worst Net Run Rate (NRR).

After clinching the title in their debut season in 2022 and finishing as runners-up last year, GT failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time. The team struggled due to key players being unavailable either through injury or trade.

Before the 2024 IPL Auction, GT retained their core squad. However, the trade of skipper Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians and Mohammed Shami's season-ending injury significantly impacted their performance. Young captain Shubman Gill gradually found his form towards the end of the campaign.

The IPL 2025 auction is expected to be a mega event, similar to GT's first auction experience in 2022 when they acquired Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, and Rashid Khan via player draft.

Teams are reportedly allowed only four retentions, similar to previous IPL Mega Auctions. However, franchise owners have requested the BCCI to permit up to eight retentions per team.

While there is no official confirmation on the number of retentions allowed for IPL 2025, it is likely that a minimum of four players can be retained by each team. Additionally, a Right To Match (RTM) card may be available for every team.

If only four players are allowed for retention, GT may not face significant challenges in deciding whom to retain and release ahead of the next auction. They aim to assemble a squad capable of competing in future seasons.

Several players are on GT's radar for retention, but many will be released ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, which could occur between December 2024 and February 2025.

Shubman Gill, as captain, is likely to be GT's first retention. Other potential retentions include David Miller, Mohit Sharma, Sai Sudharsan, Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Rahul Tewatia.

Sai Sudharsan has been a standout performer with the bat this season and is likely to be retained alongside Rashid Khan, known for his match-winning capabilities. These three are expected to be retained by GT before the next auction.

Noor Ahmad and Rahul Tewatia may be considered during the auction. However, many players' tenure with the franchise may end. The biggest challenge for GT will be deciding on the remaining retention.

GT Retention List 2025

• Shubman Gill - retained
• Sai Sudharsan - retained
• Rashid Khan - retained
• David Miller - retained/RTM
• Mohammed Shami - retained/RTM

GT faces a tough decision on whether to retain Shami, who is recovering from a long injury lay-off or opt for Miller to strengthen their middle order with his finishing skills. Mohit Sharma could also be a tempting choice but might be considered during the auction.