A look at the Titans' explosive squad and what to expect
The IPL 2025 mega auction delivered a thrilling shake-up for cricket fans on November 24-25 in Jeddah. Gujarat Titans (GT) went all out to bolster their squad, targeting marquee names like Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj, and Kagiso Rabada. With 22 players secured by the end of the auction, GT has built a robust lineup blending explosive talent and experience. Their strategic acquisitions, complemented by a core of retained stars like Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan, aim to cement their dominance in the league. Let's look closer at their ideal starting XI for IPL 2025.
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โ Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) November 25, 2024
GT's overseas players are pivotal in shaping their playing XI. Jos Buttler, Kagiso Rabada, and Rashid Khan are certain starters. The fourth slot, however, depends on the desired team balance. GT may lean on Sherfane Rutherford or Glenn Phillips for a solid middle order, offering batting depth. If they opt for a pace-heavy attack, Gerald Coetzee could pair with Rabada. Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna is a strong contender to balance the lineup, letting GT maintain experience in their batting while packing a lethal bowling punch.
๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐บ. ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ผ. ๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐น๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป. ๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐บ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ!
โ Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) November 27, 2024
๐#AavaDe | #TATAIPLAuction | #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/P4HofpF30z
Shubman Gill, the Gujarat Titans' captain, will take charge of the innings alongside IPL veteran Jos Buttler. Buttler's addition is a massive upgrade, providing explosive starts with his attacking flair. Gill's consistency and ability to build long innings make this opening pair one of the strongest in the tournament. Together, they promise to set the stage for imposing totals or aggressive chases, ensuring GT's campaigns kick off with firepower at the top.
Powerful with the bat, electric on the field, skilful with the ball. ๐
โ Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) November 25, 2024
Glenn bhai, tamaru swagat chhe! ๐#AavaDe | #TATAIPLAuction | #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/euuHEWX7ZQ
The middle order boasts reliability and firepower. Sai Sudharsan, known for his stellar performances at No. 3, will look to continue his excellent run. He will be followed by Glenn Phillips, whose expertise against pace and all-around abilities strengthen GT's core. Retained players Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia round off the middle order. Their finishing prowess and ability to clear boundaries in the slog overs make GT's batting lineup a nightmare for bowlers.
All-round excellence comes in blue. ๐
โ Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) November 25, 2024
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GT's bowling attack is a mix of world-class spinners and fiery pacers. Rashid Khan and Washington Sundar will spin webs in the middle overs, with Sundar adding handy runs down the order. The pace trio of Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna will spearhead the fast-bowling department. Rabada's fiery spells and Siraj's accuracy make them invaluable. Impact players like Mahipal Lomror can provide flexibility when needed. This balanced attack promises to keep opponents under constant pressure.
Prasidh Express, soon reaching Amdavad โก๏ธ๐ฅ#AavaDe | #TATAIPLAuction | #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/h846kBgWRc
โ Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) November 25, 2024
Shubman Gill (C)
Jos Buttler
Sai Sudharsan
Glenn Phillips
Shahrukh Khan
Rahul Tewatia
Rashid Khan
Washington Sundar
Kagiso Rabada
Mohammed Siraj
Prasidh Krishna
Impact players: Mahipal Lomror/Anuj Rawat.
Aapda Titans, Aapdo home, Aapdo pride ๐#AavaDe | #TATAIPLAuction | #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/ld2N0qWCpm
โ Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) November 25, 2024
Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada (Rs. 10.75 crore), Jos Buttler (Rs. 15.75 crore), Mohammed Siraj (Rs. 12.25 crore), Prasidh Krishna (Rs. 9.50 crore), Nishant Sindhu (Rs. 30 lakh), Mahipal Lomror (Rs. 1.70 crore), Kumar Kushagra (Rs. 65 lakh), Anuj Rawat (Rs. 30 lakh), Manav Suthar (Rs. 30 lakh), Washington Sundar (Rs. 3.20 crore), Gerald Coetzee (Rs. 2.40 crore), Arshad Khan (Rs. 1.30 crore), Gurnoor Brar (Rs. 1.30 crore), Sherfane Rutherford (Rs. 2.60 crore), Sai Kishore (Rs. 2 crore), Ishant Sharma (Rs. 75 lakh), Jayant Yadav (Rs. 75 lakh), Glenn Phillips (Rs. 2 crore), Karim Janat (Rs. 75 lakh), Kulwant Khejroliya (Rs. 30 lakh).
Mega Auction Day 1 done right! โ #TitansFAM, what was your highlight of the day? #AavaDe | #TATAIPLAuction | #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/40LqXGQluF
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) November 24, 2024
This balanced squad promises to bring the heat in IPL 2025, combining firepower, consistency, and versatility!