The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to evolve, and as the 2025 season approaches, teams are strategically positioning themselves for success. The Gujarat Titans (GT), who joined the league in 2022, have already made a name for themselves, clinching the IPL title in their debut season under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya.
Despite a dip in form in the 2024 season, where they finished with just 12 points, the franchise remains committed to building a competitive squad. As part of their strategy, GT has released their retention list ahead of the mega auction, confirming their intent for the upcoming season. The franchise has decided to retain four capped players and one uncapped player, focusing on maintaining a solid core while looking to fill gaps in their roster.
GT's retention list ahead of Mega Auction 2024
Leading the retention list is the exceptional Afghan spinner Rashid Khan. Renowned for his impressive performances in the IPL, Rashid has consistently been a game-changer for the Titans. His retention signals GT's ambition to build a strong bowling attack around his talents. Notably, Rashid Khan will get INR 18 crore.
Shubman Gill, who took over the captaincy following Pandya's departure, is another critical player retained by the team for INR 16.50 crore. In a remarkable show of commitment, Gill reportedly took a pay cut to ensure Rashid could be retained as the top-choice spinner. This move not only highlights Gill's leadership but also his dedication to creating a balanced and competitive team.
The franchise also chose to retain young Indian batter Sai Sudharsan for INR 8.50 Crore, showcasing their commitment to developing homegrown talent. Sudharsan's retention reflects GT's strategy of grooming younger players who can contribute significantly in the future.
Rahul Tewatia finds a place on GT’s list
Finally, in the uncapped category, GT has decided to retain all-rounder Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan for INR 4 crore each. Known for their finishing ability and versatility with both bat and ball, Tewatia and Shahrukh have become a key player for the Titans, and his presence will be vital as the team looks to reclaim their championship status.
As GT prepares for the mega auction, notable releases have included key players such as David Miller, wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha and pacer Mohammed Shami. These changes indicate a strategic shift as the team looks to refine its roster and bolster its chances for IPL 2025.