GT’s IPL 2025 performance and strategic stabilization
The Titans had a strong IPL 2025 campaign, finishing third in the league stage with 9 wins and qualifying for the play-offs for the third time in four seasons, before losing the Eliminator to Mumbai Indians. The team’s success depended largely on the brilliance of their young Indian top order. Sai Sudharsan was the standout performer and finished as leading run-scorer in IPL 2025 with 759 runs while captaining Shubman Gill was close behind by 650 runs. However, this reliance on the top order masked a vulnerable middle order that often struggled for consistency.
On the bowling front, the pace attack, backed by new signings, performed well, but the team lacked the consistent impact of a world-class Indian leg-spinner. GT’s strategic focus for retention will be a stabilization effort, locking in their young, performing Indian core. By building on Gill and Sudharsan’s successful partnership, they can strategically release players who have underperformed relative to their high price tag (such as As Butler at INR 15.75 crore or Mohammed Siraj at INR 12.25 crore) to free up a huge budget for a focused, flexible auction strategy.
Five Indian players could be retained by Gujarat Titans ahead of the IPL 2026 auction
GT will prioritize retaining their captain, their top scorer, a reliable power hitter, their best specialist spinner and a domestic all-rounder with high potential.
1.Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan is the most crucial retention for Gujarat Titans. He was the undisputed star of their IPL 2025 campaign, finishing as the Orange Cap winner (759 runs) and showing incredible consistency and maturity. His retention is non-negotiable, not only because he is the cornerstone of their batting future, but also because of his relatively cost-effective price tag (INR 8.5 crore), which offers immense value for a match-winner.
2. Shubman Gill
As a captain and a very consistent top class batsman, Shubman Gill is a fundamental retention. His ability to anchor the innings and maintain a high strike rate (155.88 in IPL 2025 with 650 runs) is crucial for the team to post strong totals. Retaining the captaincy is essential to maintaining team cohesion and the established aggressive batting culture. Gill’s leadership and form make him an automatic lock for the franchise.
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3. Sai Kishore
The orthodox left-arm spinner Sai Kishore emerged as a key bowler for GT and finished as the team’s leading wicket-taker in IPL 2025 with 19 wickets. In a team that lacked an experienced Indian leg-spinner, Kishore’s control, ability to take wickets and ability to bowl effectively in the powerplay and middle overs make him a retention specialist. His performances justify his place as the premium Indian spin option.
4. Mohammed Siraj
Holding Mohammed Siraj is a key strategic move for GT to strengthen their pace attack. After investing ₹12.25 crore in him for IPL 2025, his performance (15 wickets, best of 4/17) validated the investment. Siraj provides the team with a top-notch, experienced Indian pace spearhead capable of taking wickets in the powerplay and controlling the death overs, making him an invaluable, high-impact domestic retainer.
5. Rahul Tewatia
Rahul Tewatia remains a very useful retention due to his proven ability as a clutch finisher and a useful option for leg spin. Although his batting numbers were lower in 2025 (99 runs in 12 innings) due to less time in the middle, his experience of winning matches from impossible positions and his proven track record as an all-rounder are of immense value. Keeping him at INR 4 crore ensures a reliable Indian finisher and a specialist fielder.
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