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The Titans have 69 crore to build their squad in the mega auction. (PC: X.com)
The Team
The Titans were among the most successful teams in the previous cycle, despite missing out on the playoffs last season. Champions in 2022, they came agonisingly close to repeating their triumph in 2023, falling to the Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling last-over finish. However, their 2024 campaign highlighted certain weaknesses, particularly due to the absence of key players such as Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami. While the squad featured some standout performers, its overall balance was ill-suited to the demands of a tournament like the IPL, ultimately costing them a playoff spot. Despite the disappointing season, the franchise has shown faith in Shubman Gill, retaining him as captain. Alongside Gill, the Titans have also retained Rashid Khan, B Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, and Shahrukh Khan.
Auction Purse and Strategy
GT have spent a total of Rs 51 crores, leaving them with a purse of Rs 69 crores for the auction. With Gill and Sudharsan, they have two reliable batters at the top, while the lower-middle order is well-covered with Tewatia, Shahrukh, and Rashid. Heading into the auction, they will be looking to strengthen their middle order, similar to how they relied on David Miller previously, as well as acquiring quality pace-bowling options. Additionally, they may look to buy back someone like R Sai Kishore to complement Rashid in the spin department.
Areas they need to strengthen
Filling the gaps in the middle order will be a key focus. If they opt for Gill and Sai to open the innings, they will need to find players who can slot into positions 3, 4, and 5, as Tewatia, Shahrukh, and Rashid are more suited to finishing roles. One explosive top-order batter is likely to be on their radar—someone who can attack the bowling from the first ball, as both Gill and Sai tend to take time to settle before accelerating. Another priority will be securing quality fast bowlers. Not having retained any pacers, this will undoubtedly be an area of focus, with several likely to be on their wishlist. While Rashid leads the spin department, they will also need to explore other options, possibly an Indian finger-spinner like Sai Kishore or Harpreet Brar.
Players they would like to target
Ishan Kishan, Jos Buttler, Quinton de Kock, Phil Salt and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are some of the explosive top-order batters who can keep the wickets as well that will be in GT’s target list. They’ll surely go for prominent Indian batters like Nitish Rana, Venkatesh Iyer and Rahul Tripathi.
When it comes to their bowling unit, GT will focus on strengthening both powerplay and death-over options by pursuing experienced names like Mitchell Starc, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, or T Natarajan. Additionally, acquiring a seam-bowling all-rounder like Marcus Stoinis could help fill the void left by Pandya. To support Rashid in the spin department, GT may also target players such as Sai Kishore, Washington Sundar, or Shahbaz Ahmed.
Players they would like to buy back
Shami could be brought back using the RTM option. However, if they fail to secure his services, opting for a proven performer like David Miller or a spin sensation such as Noor Ahmad with the RTM would also be a smart move. GT will also aim to reacquire Sai Kishore, whose left-arm spin provides excellent control and who can contribute with the bat as well.
The post Gujarat Titans Set Sights on Fast Bowlers and Middle-Order Batters for the Mega Auction appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports.
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[[{“value”:”The Team The Titans were among the most successful teams in the previous cycle, despite missing out on the playoffs last season. Champions in 2022, they came agonisingly close to…
The post Gujarat Titans Set Sights on Fast Bowlers and Middle-Order Batters for the Mega Auction appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports.”}]]
