Gujarat Titans, one of the prominent franchises in the Indian Premier League, is strategically planning to retain several key players ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The franchise is expected to hold onto Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, B Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, and Shahrukh Khan. This retention will leave the franchise with one right-to-match card available to use during the auction.
The details regarding financial implications for retaining these players are still being finalized. However, it is projected that Gujarat Titans will have a total of INR 51 crore deducted from their auction purse of INR 120 crore for retaining three international players and two uncapped domestic talents. Should the franchise opt to pay more than INR 51 crore for retaining these five players, the higher figure will be deducted from their budget.
October 31 marks the deadline for all ten franchises in the IPL to submit their final list of retained players ahead of the auction. Each team is permitted to retain up to six players, with a maximum of five being capped internationals and two being uncapped players. The IPL has established a minimum deduction scheme for retained players, which includes amounts such as INR 18 crore for the first retained player, INR 14 crore for the second, and varying amounts for subsequent players. While these figures are preset, franchises have the freedom to negotiate higher or lower amounts based on their valuation of each player.
Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan are notable players in the squad, both of whom were acquired by Gujarat Titans prior to the 2022 auction when the franchise made its debut in the league. Gill was signed for INR 8 crore, while Rashid enjoyed a more significant contract worth INR 15 crore. Following the trade of Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians, Gill was appointed captain for IPL 2024, taking over leadership responsibilities for the team.
The retention of B Sai Sudharsan, the 23-year-old left-hand batter, may come as a surprise to some fans, considering the presence of seasoned players like Mohammed Shami and David Miller. However, Gujarat Titans management views Sudharsan as a key asset for the future, capable of making substantial contributions at the top of the batting order. Sudharsan’s performance in IPL 2024 has been impressive, as he emerged as the sixth-highest run-scorer with 527 runs, posting a commendable average of nearly 48 and a strike rate of 141. With a bright future ahead, he is also being considered for a potential spot in future Test matches, according to India's selectors and the management team led by Gautam Gambhir.
Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan, both uncapped allrounders, are also significant figures in the Titans’ roster. Their retention underscores the franchise's commitment to retaining power-hitting options in the lower middle order. Tewatia, purchased for INR 9 crore, has been a key player in finishing matches and has established himself as a trusted voice within the leadership group due to his extensive knowledge of domestic cricket players. On the other hand, Shahrukh, acquired in the 2024 auction for INR 7.4 crore, is recognized as one of the stronger hitters in the domestic circuit. His capabilities as a part-time offspinner further enhance his value to the team.
As the franchise continues to evolve in preparation for IPL 2025, the focus will be on maintaining a strong core while exploring avenues to strengthen the squad during the auction. With significant financial decisions ahead and the deadline approaching, Gujarat Titans will be keen to balance retention with the opportunity to acquire new talent that can contribute to their future success.
The Gujarat Titans' strategy around player retention and auction spending will be critical in shaping their competitive edge in future IPL seasons. As the team prepares to finalize their roster, the decisions made will reflect their long-term vision for building a formidable team in one of the world's most lucrative and exciting T20 cricket leagues. With the deadline fast approaching, all eyes will be on the franchise to see how they navigate the complexities of retaining existing talent while opening avenues for new acquisitions.