Both Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan have been pivotal players for Gujarat Titans since they joined the IPL in 2022.
Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill aren’t going anywhere – the Gujarat Titans duo is here to stay, squashing widespread speculation of them entering the auction pool ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Just three days before the IPL retention deadline, a report from ANI confirmed that both players will continue their tenure with the Titans. Shubman Gill, the young sensation who has already established himself as a top-order mainstay, will once again lead the side, with Rashid Khan, one of the league’s most impactful bowlers, lending his expertise under Gill’s captaincy.
The rumours about Rashid Khan’s potential move to Mumbai Indians were fueled by his association with MI’s global franchises in various T20 Leagues. Given his reputation as a sought-after T20 player worldwide, the possibility of Rashid joining a new team led many to speculate that MI was poised to make an aggressive bid for the Afghan leg-spinner if he entered the auction.
Also Read: RCB Face Major Retention Dilemma as Fresh Report on Cameron Green Emerges After Spine Surgery
However, Rashid’s commitment to GT reflects his intent to stay loyal to the franchise he has helped turn into a competitive unit since its debut in IPL 2022. Since joining GT, Rashid has taken 56 wickets in 45 matches and has proven valuable with the bat in critical moments, making him indispensable for the Titans.
Gill, who took over the captaincy from Hardik Pandya, had his first season as captain last year. Although GT ended in the eighth spot on the leaderboard, Gill’s personal performance was anything but lackluster. The opener amassed 426 runs, showing his potential to anchor the team’s batting order.
Reports suggest that Gill is not only committed to GT for the 2025 season but is also focused on building a strong team culture and continuity for the Titans. Having risen as one of India’s brightest young talents, Gill’s role in the team goes beyond his runs; he envisions making GT a title contender once again and aims to secure long-term success.
Alongside Gill and Rashid, David Miller and Sai Sudharsan are among the other names likely to be retained. Miller, who has been a stabilizing force in the middle order, brings experience and reliability in crucial run chases. His strike rate of 151.07 last season, even in limited appearances, reiterates his importance to GT’s batting lineup.
Also Read: KKR player reveals he shed 17 kgs in five months to force his way into Indian team
Sudharsan, a breakout performer from the previous season, impressed with 527 runs, including a century and two half-centuries, and is a player GT views as a long-term asset.
As the franchise gears up for the auction, speculation has also surrounded their choices for uncapped players. Options like Rahul Tewatia and Abhinav Manohar are on the radar for their all-around capabilities and finishing prowess. Tewatia, known for his clutch performances and ability to hit big shots under pressure, and Manohar, a consistent striker with an aggressive approach, would provide additional depth to GT’s lineup.
With the IPL’s new retention guidelines allowing up to five capped players and two uncapped, GT has several strategic decisions to make in order to balance their core with potential newcomers.
The road ahead for Gujarat Titans looks promising, especially with Gill and Rashid staying on. Despite a challenging 2024 season, the retention of key players could give GT the stability they need to rebuild and set their sights on another title.
Gill’s leadership, combined with Rashid’s experience and Miller’s reliability, has the potential to reinvigorate the team, especially as they strengthen their squad with retained talent and new faces from the auction. For fans, the news that Gill and Rashid aren’t going anywhere brings reassurance that the Titans are focused on continuity and growth, aiming to return stronger for IPL 2025.
