Gujarat Titans (GT) have enjoyed considerable success since their inception in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Winning the coveted trophy in their inaugural season in 2022, they quickly established themselves as a formidable force. In 2023, GT reached the finals once again but narrowly missed out on the title, losing to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, their form dipped in IPL 2024, where they finished 8th under the captaincy of young star Shubman Gill, following Hardik Pandya‘s departure to Mumbai Indians (MI).
As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, the league’s retention rules allow each franchise to retain up to six players, including the use of the Right to Match (RTM) card. This presents Gujarat with a critical opportunity to build a strong foundation for future campaigns by retaining key players who have contributed to their success.
Let’s dive into a detailed look at the key players that Gujarat might prioritize retaining ahead of the 2025 season, as their contributions could be pivotal in shaping the team’s strategy and success in the highly competitive tournament.
Shubman Gill (Captain)
Shubman Gill has evolved into a cornerstone for Gujarat ever since joining the franchise. His promotion to captaincy in IPL 2024 came after Pandya’s departure, and although the team didn’t enjoy a successful campaign, Gill showcased his potential as a leader. His calm demeanor, tactical acumen, and ability to hold the innings together at the top order are qualities that make him an invaluable player for Gujarat. With every season, he’s improved his consistency with the bat, amassing runs while playing an anchor role. Retaining Gill ahead of IPL 2025 would ensure that Gujarat have a stable and reliable captain to build their team around.
Apart from his leadership, Gill’s batting has been one of the most consistent in recent years. The young Indian star is known for his elegant stroke play, quick adaptability, and an impressive ability to pace the innings. His growing maturity as a cricketer is evident in his performances, both for India and in the IPL. Notably, in the previous season, Gill amassed 426 runs in 12 matches with one century and two fifties to his credit. In IPL 2025, Gujarat will be looking to capitalize on his leadership skills, as well as his ability to provide a solid foundation at the top of the order, making him a priority retention.
Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan remains one of the most impactful T20 players in the world, and his role in Gujarat’s success has been irreplaceable. With his leg-spin bowling, Rashid has the unique ability to take wickets in crucial moments while keeping the economy rate in check. His consistent performances with the ball have made him a go-to bowler in high-pressure situations. Retaining Rashid ensures that Gujarat will continue to have one of the best bowlers in the tournament, capable of winning games single-handedly with his spin magic. He bagged 10 wickets in IPL 2024 from 12 games with 2/38 being his best.
Beyond his bowling, Rashid is also a handy contributor with the bat. His explosive lower-order cameos have often turned the tide of matches, adding depth to the batting lineup. He made 102 runs last season at a strike rate of 143. Rashid’s experience in franchise cricket around the world brings a wealth of tactical knowledge, which helps his teammates perform better under pressure. Retaining him would not only bolster the team’s spin department but also offer Gujarat a match-winner in both departments of the game.
David Miller
David Miller has been a standout performer for Gujarat Titans with his powerful middle-order batting. His ability to handle pressure and finish games made him a crucial asset during GT’s successful campaign in IPL 2022. Miller’s experience as a finisher in T20 cricket gives Gujarat an edge in close matches. His consistency and ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the death overs have been key to GT’s success, and retaining him would give the franchise a reliable option in the middle order for IPL 2025. Although, Miller had an average campaign with the bat in IPL 2024, scoring 210 runs in 9 games with one fifty. But his recent few performances at international arena, including T20 World Cup 2024 is enough to explain that Miller has got his lost mojo and will be a player to watch out for in the upcoming IPL season.
In addition to his batting, Miller brings a wealth of leadership experience, having captained South Africa in limited-overs cricket. His calm presence in the dressing room and ability to guide younger players make him an important figure within the team. Gujarat will likely look to retain Miller as a dependable middle-order finisher, a role that has been crucial to their game plans in previous seasons.
Noor Ahmed
Noor Ahmedthe young Afghan spinner, has become one of the most promising talents in the Gujarat’s bowling lineup. Paired with Rashid, Noor’s left-arm wrist spin offers variety to the team’s bowling attack, and he has already shown immense potential in the IPL. His ability to turn the ball both ways, combined with his calmness under pressure, has helped him emerge as a key wicket-taker for GT. Given his potential, retaining Noor would allow Gujarat to invest in a young talent who could evolve into one of the most dangerous spinners in the league.
Noor’s performances in the IPL have given glimpses of a player who is set to become a future star. His strong showing in key moments has made him a valuable partner for Rashid in the spin department, making it difficult for opposition batters to settle. In IPL 2024, he took 8 wickets in 10 games with 2/20 being his best performance. Overall, Noor has taken 24 scalps in the cash-rich league from 23 matches. His development in the IPL has been rapid, and retaining him would ensure Gujarat continues to have a strong bowling lineup for future seasons. The team’s management is likely to see Noor as a long-term asset who can lead the spin attack in the years to come.
Sai Kishore
Sai Kishorethe left-arm orthodox spinner, has steadily carved a niche for himself in the Gujarat squad. Known for his ability to contain runs in the middle overs, Sai’s performances in both the IPL and domestic circuits have been impressive. His accurate bowling and ability to maintain tight lines have made him a valuable addition to Gujarat’s spin-heavy attack. With an uncapped status, Sai offers excellent value for retention, allowing GT to maintain balance in their squad while preserving their core spin strength. In IPL 2024, Sai bagged 7 wickets from 5 games with 4/33 being his best.
Beyond his bowling, Sai is also a versatile fielder, which adds to his value as a complete T20 player. His calm demeanor on the field and consistent performances in high-pressure matches highlight his potential to be a match-winner for the team. Retaining him would give Gujarat a dependable and cost-effective option, enabling them to focus their auction strategy on other areas while keeping their spin department intact.
Shahrukh Khan (Uncapped)
Shahrukh Khanthe powerful striker, has become one of the most exciting uncapped talents in Indian cricket. Known for his big-hitting abilities, Shahrukh has been a game-changer in the lower-middle order for Gujarat. His ability to clear the boundaries in the final overs makes him a dangerous finisher, which is crucial for the team’s plans in tight matches. Retaining Shahrukh would allow Gujarat to have a flexible batting option that can add depth and provide quick runs when needed. In the last edition, Shahrukh scored 127 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of 169.
In addition to his batting prowess, Shahrukh is also a handy bowler and an agile fielder, making him a valuable all-round asset for any T20 side. He did bowl 12 deliveries in the IPL 2024 but couldn’t earn any wicket. His potential to become a future star is undeniable, and GT would be wise to hold onto this uncapped player as they prepare for IPL 2025. His versatility and power-hitting make him a perfect retention candidate for a team that thrives on flexibility and explosive finishes.
