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The Gujarat Titans (GT) have almost locked in their retentions for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, opting to keep Shubman Gill as captain, alongside several other key players. And now according to the Times of India report, in a remarkable gesture, Gill agreed to a lower salary to free up funds, ensuring GT could retain their core lineup and head into the auction with a competitive purse.
Shubman Gill’s strategic pay cut to strengthen GT’s retention strategy
Gill’s decision to take a pay cut stands as a rare and commendable step in IPL history, demonstrating his foresight and selflessness as captain. By sacrificing a portion of his earnings, Gill has made it financially viable for GT to retain their marquee players like Rashid Khan, who has been instrumental since their inaugural season in 2022. With the ability to retain up to six players, Gujarat are now expected to enter the mega auction with a well-balanced core and increased budget flexibility to acquire new talent.
“Shubman Gill has taken this step for the franchise as he wanted GT to enter the auction with as much money in the purse as possible. There were plenty of talented players in the existing pool and the captain taking a paycut has allowed the franchise to retain a lot of them. At such a young age, Gill has already started thinking as a leader and is in constant discussions about the mega auction, and the road ahead,” an IPL source was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
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Gujarat Titans’ potential retention and rules under the new purse structure
Under the latest IPL retention rules, a team incurs a specific deduction for each player retained, impacting their auction purse, which is set at Rs 120 crore for the 2025 season. GT’s retentions could potentially include Rashid Khan, Gill and some other players. With Gill’s reduced salary enabling this strategy, Rashid will most probably expected to become the team’s costliest retention, while the Gujarat now have enough funds to bid aggressively in the auction. Teams can retain up to six players using the right-to-match (RTM) option if needed, allowing GT to hold onto talent while still building on their squad’s depth and versatility.
Gill’s transition into leadership and GT’s future prospects in IPL 2025
After taking over as captain in 2024 when Hardik Pandya was transferred to the Mumbai Indians (MI), Gill has shown considerable leadership growth despite GT’s challenging season, finishing in eighth place. His willingness to accept a lower pay signals a long-term vision and dedication to enhancing team cohesion and financial flexibility, critical factors as GT reshapes its squad post-Pandya.
Recognized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for his leadership potential, the 25-year-old was also named vice-captain for India’s ODI and T20I teams, a testament to his rising influence in the sport. With the Titans set to explore additional squad options in November’s overseas auction, Gill’s leadership is already laying the foundation for a formidable and well-rounded team.
