After two stellar seasons—where they clinched the title once and finished as runners-up—the Gujarat Titans endured a disappointing campaign, failing to qualify for the playoffs and finishing eighth in the points table. However, with the high-profile acquisitions of Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj, and Kagiso Rabada, the team has significantly bolstered its squad. With these marquee additions, expectations will be high once again as they look to reclaim their dominance in the tournament.
Squad
Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sai Sudharshan, Rahul Tewatia , Rashid Khan, Shahrukh Khan , Sherfane Rutherford, Glenn Philips, Kagiso Rabada, Mohamed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Sai Kishore, Washington Sundar, Anuj Rawat (WK) , Kumar kushagra (WK) ,Karim Jannat, Mahipal Lormor , Nishant Sandhu, Manuv Suthar , Arshad Khan , Gerald Coetzee, Gurnoor Brar , Ishant Sharma , Jayant Yadav, Kulwant Khejroliya
Probable XI
- Shubman Gill (C)
- Jos Buttler (WK)
- Sai Sudharshan
- Shahrukh Khan
- Mahipal lormor
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Rahul Tewatia
- Washington Sundar
- Rashid Khan
- Kagiso Rabada
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
Key Players
Shubman Gill
Gujarat Titans’ captain, Shubman Gill, has been one of the standout performers in the league over the past couple of seasons. Amassing 1,316 runs at a remarkable average of 50.62 and an impressive strike rate of 154.28, he has set new benchmarks for consistency and aggression. Notably, he is the only player to maintain an average above 50 while striking at over 150 in the last two seasons, further cementing his status as one of the premier batters in the tournament.
Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan—arguably the greatest T20 cricketer of all time—will once again be the linchpin of Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack. The team will rely heavily on the Afghan spin maestro to deliver crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs, a role he has mastered over the years. His ability to not only contain runs but also dismantle opposition batting lineups makes him an invaluable asset as Gujarat Titans aim for a resurgence this season.
Strengths
New ball Bowling
With the early movement on offer at Ahmedabad, especially under lights, the pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj will pose a significant challenge for opposition batters. Their ability to extract swing and seam movement makes them a formidable force with the new ball, capable of dismantling top orders early in the innings. If they hit their strides, Gujarat Titans could gain a decisive edge in the powerplay, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Consistent Top order
With captain Shubman Gill, white-ball icon Jos Buttler, and the talented Sai Sudharsan, Gujarat Titans boast one of the most consistent top orders in the league. Gill and Sudharsan have been exceptional over the past two seasons, showcasing remarkable consistency and run-scoring ability. While Buttler hasn’t quite maintained the same level of dominance in recent years, he remains one of the most reliable and explosive batters at the top. This formidable trio provides Gujarat Titans with a strong foundation, capable of dictating the tempo of any innings.
Weaknesses
Middle Order
In contrast to their dependable top order, Gujarat Titans’ middle order remains a major concern, lacking an established, IPL-proven batter. The likes of Shahrukh Khan, Mahipal Lomror, and Kumar Kushagra, while talented, are relatively inexperienced at this level and yet to prove themselves as consistent performers. Adding to the uncertainty, Sherfane Rutherford has struggled with form in recent times, raising questions about the team’s ability to handle pressure situations in the middle overs. If Gujarat Titans are to challenge for the playoffs, their middle-order batters will need to step up and deliver under crunch situations.
Death Bowling
While Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack appears to be one of the strongest in the league on paper, their death bowling remains a concern. Despite Mohammed Siraj’s impressive performances in the latter stages of the innings last season, his overall consistency at the death remains a question mark. Meanwhile, Kagiso Rabada has struggled in this phase, conceding runs at an expensive economy rate of 11.86 over the last two seasons. If GT are to mount a serious title challenge, they will need their pace spearheads to step up and execute their plans more effectively in the final overs.
Fixtures
25 March : GT vs PBKS
29 March : GT vs MI
2 April : RCB vs GT
6 April : SRH vs GT
9 April : GT vs RR
12 April : LSG vs GT
19 April : GT vs DC
21 April : KKR vs GT
28 April : RR vs GT
2 May : GT vs SRH
6 May : MI vs GT
11 May : DC vs GT
14 May : GT vs LSG
18 May : GT vs CSK
Gujarat Titans have a strong squad with a reliable top order, a world-class bowling attack, and key match-winners. However, their middle order lacks experience , and death bowling remains a concern despite the presence of Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada. If they can overcome these weaknesses, they have the potential to be serious title contenders.
