The IPL 2025 Mega Auction held in Jeddah witnessed dramatic bidding wars and strategic planning by all franchises and the Gujarat Titans (GT) were no exception. Having already retained their captain and star opener Shubman Gill along with four key players, the Titans entered the IPL Auction 2025 with a well-defined strategy to fill specific gaps in their squad .
The franchise made headlines on Day 1 by securing England’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler for a whopping Rs 15.75 crore, marking one of the highest bids in the auction. With a strong emphasis on bolstering their pace attack, Gujarat also acquired Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Kagiso Rabada, two proven performers in the IPL. The addition of Washington Sundar on Day 2 for Rs 3.20 crore provided a spin-bowling all-rounder to balance their lineup.
GT IPL Auction 2025 strategy: Experience and firepower
The Gujarat Titans’ approach at the auction reflected a preference for seasoned campaigners with proven IPL credentials. Their biggest splash was on overseas and Indian stars, including Buttler, Siraj, and Rabada. This focus on experienced players suggested a win-now mentality, with the Titans aiming to strengthen their squad for immediate success.
In addition to star performers, Gujarat invested in several utility players like Mahipal Lomror, R Sai Kishore, Glenn Phillips, and Gerald Coetzee as well as backups such as Jayant Yadav and Ishant Sharma. This mix of marquee names and dependable depth reflects a strategy to cover all bases while maintaining flexibility.
Gujarat Titans IPL Auction 2025 purchase list
Jos Buttler: Rs 15.75 crore
Mohammed Siraj: Rs 12.25 crore
Kagiso Rabada: Rs 10.75 crore
Prasidh Krishna: Rs 9.5 crore
Washington Sundar: Rs 3.20 crore
Sherfane Rutherford: Rs 2.6 crore
Gerald Coetzee: Rs 2.4 crore
R. Sai Kishore: Rs 2 crore
Glenn Phillips: Rs 2 crore
Mahipal Lomror: Rs 1.7 crore
Arshad Khan: Rs 1.3 crore
Gurnoor Singh Brar: Rs 1.3 crore
Karim Janat: Rs 75 lakh
Jayant Yadav: Rs 75 lakh
Ishant Sharma: Rs 75 lakh
Kumar Kushagra: Rs 65 lakh
Kulwant Khejroliya: Rs 30 lakh
Manav Suthar: Rs 30 lakh
Anuj Rawat: Rs 30 lakh
Nishant Sindhu: Rs 30 lakh
Gujarat Titans retained players
Shubman Gill: Rs 16.5 crore
Rashid Khan: Rs 18 crore
Sai Sudharsan: Rs 4 crore
Rahul Tewatia: Rs 4 crore
Shahrukh Khan: Rs 8.5 crore
GT 2025 squad strength: A star-studded and balanced squad
1. Explosive batting order
With Buttler and Gill at the top, Gujarat boasts one of the most dangerous opening pairs in IPL 2025. Buttler’s aggression perfectly complements Gill’s class, setting the tone for high-scoring powerplays. The presence of Sai Sudharsan, Sundar, Tewatia, and Shahrukh Khan in the middle order ensures both stability and the ability to finish games.
2. Formidable bowling attack
Gujarat’s bowling unit, featuring Rashid Khan, Siraj, Rabada, and Krishna, promises to be a force to reckon with. Rashid provides unmatched control in the middle overs, while Siraj and Rabada will lead the charge with the new ball. Krishna’s ability to bowl at the death and Washington Sundar’s off-spin further enhance the attack.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts3. All-round depth
With versatile players like Tewatia, Sundar and Lomror, Gujarat has ample depth to adapt to various conditions and situations.
GT 2025 squad Weakness: Death-Bowling Concerns
Gujarat has a strong bowling lineup with Siraj, Rabada, and Krishna, but the lack of a proven death-over specialist could be a challenge. Rabada has struggled with economy in death overs in past IPL seasons, and while Siraj is excellent with the new ball, his death-bowling consistency remains a concern. This gap could cost the team in high-scoring chases or tight finishes.
GT at auction: What could they have done differently?
Additional All-Rounders: The team might regret not bidding aggressively for multi-dimensional players like Sam Curran or Mitchell Marsh, who could have offered more flexibility in the XI.
Backup for Buttler: An alternate wicketkeeper-batter to cover for Buttler’s absence could have been a smart move.
Aapda Titans, Aapdo home, Aapdo pride 💙#AavaDe | #TATAIPLAuction | #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/ld2N0qWCpm
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) November 25, 2024
Gujarat Titans : Early predictions for IPL 2025
On paper, the Gujarat Titans look like a top contender for IPL 2025. Their mix of explosive batting, a world-class bowling attack, and all-round depth makes them a team to beat. However, their reliance on key players, especially overseas stars, could pose challenges in a long tournament.
Gujarat Titans full squad for IPL 2025
Batters: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Glenn Phillips, Sherfane Rutherford, Mahipal Lomror
All-Rounders: Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Arshad Khan, Karim Janat
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, R. Sai Kishore, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Gerald Coetzee, Kulwant Khejroliya, Manav Suthar
Wicketkeepers: Jos Buttler, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat
With a formidable lineup led by Shubman Gill and key players like Buttler, Rashid, and Rabada in their ranks, Gujarat Titans are primed for another exciting season. Whether they can reclaim the IPL trophy will depend on their ability to maintain consistency and adaptability throughout the tournament.
Gujarat Titans potential playing XI
Jos Buttler (Overseas), Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips (Overseas), Rahul Tewatia, Kumar Kushagra (Wicketkeeper), Rashid Khan (Overseas), Kagiso Rabada (Overseas), Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj
Impact player: Mahipal Lomror