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Despite boasting a blend of young talent and experienced campaigners, Gujarat Titans‘ Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign ended on a disappointing note.
Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025: A campaign of missed opportunities and tough calls ahead
Under the leadership of captain Shubman Gill and guidance of coach Ashish Nehra, the team made it to the playoffs a commendable achievement but their campaign unraveled at the most crucial stage. Gujarat were well on course to finish among the top two in the league table but suffered two back-to-back defeats in their final group stage matches. These defeats pushed them down the standings, forcing them into the knockout Eliminator match, where they faced Mumbai Indians. In a high-pressure contest, Gujarat fell short, crashing out of the tournament and failing to build on their early momentum. This abrupt end has now triggered discussions around team composition, bench strength, and the underwhelming performances of certain players. With the mega auction for IPL 2026 approaching, the Titans may be forced to make difficult decisions and release some well-known names to re-strategize their core.
5 players Gujarat Titans should release from their current squad after IPL 2025
5. Jayant Yadav
Among the most baffling decisions taken by the Gujarat’s management was the non-utilization of Jayant Yadav throughout the entire season. Bought during the IPL 2025 mega auction as a potential utility spin-bowling all-rounder, Jayant did not feature in a single match, even when conditions were spin-friendly or when the team experimented with combinations.
The fact that the team did not show trust in him for even one game suggests that he may have been a tactical misfit in the XI or simply not part of their larger plans. Given his age and the lack of recent match exposure, it is difficult to see Jayant fitting into Gujarat’s vision for the future. In an auction where every retained slot matters, retaining someone who didn’t contribute across the season may not be a justifiable decision. As such, the franchise is likely to release him before IPL 2026 and look for more dynamic and game-ready options in the spin department.
4. Glenn Phillips
New Zealand’s dynamic cricketer Glenn Phillips was expected to provide explosive power in the middle order and play a versatile role for the Titans this season. However, just as the season kicked off, he suffered a major injury that forced him to withdraw and return to New Zealand without playing a single match. While his T20 reputation and skillset are unquestionable, availability and fitness are key factors in the IPL’s fast-paced calendar.
With overseas slots being extremely competitive and every foreign player expected to deliver consistently, retaining a player with recent injury issues who has no performance record from the season becomes a risk. Gujarat might opt to release Phillips and instead target a fully-fit overseas player who can serve as a middle-order finisher or floating batter. The lack of contribution, coupled with concerns around future availability, weakens Phillips’ case for retention in IPL 2026.
Also READ: IPL 2025: 5 players Punjab Kings should release from their current squad ft. Glenn Maxwell
3. Ishant Sharma
Veteran Indian pacer Ishant Sharma brought with him decades of experience and the ability to lead the bowling attack in crunch situations. However, IPL 2025 revealed signs that age may finally be catching up with the 36-year-old. Across seven matches, Ishant picked up only four wickets and was largely ineffective during the powerplay and death overs traditionally his zones of influence.
More concerning than his low wicket tally was his economy rate, which became a liability in high-scoring games. While his experience remains invaluable in a dressing room, the IPL is a performance-driven tournament where youth, pace, and consistency often trump seniority. Given Gujarat’s need to build a sustainable bowling unit for the future, it is highly likely they may part ways with Ishant before the next season and search for younger Indian pacers who bring more pace and energy to their attack.
2. Rahul Tewatia
Rahul Tewatia’s presence in Gujarat once symbolized the spirit of a fighting finisher capable of changing games in the death overs. However, IPL 2025 turned out to be his least impactful season since joining the franchise. Tewatia was neither given bowling duties nor made significant contributions with the bat. A combination of poor form and lack of game time hurt his rhythm.
In matches where Gujarat collapsed or needed firepower in the lower order, Tewatia either didn’t get a chance or failed to make it count. His failure to bowl even a single over the entire season further questions his value as an all-rounder. With the emergence of other middle-order options in the squad and a surplus of finishers in domestic and international cricket, GT might look to move on from Tewatia. His reduced role and declining returns are likely to prompt the management to either release him or re-acquire him at a significantly lower price ahead of the 2026 season.
1. Karim Janat
Gujarat took a punt on Afghanistan’s Karim Janat, known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. But his IPL 2025 journey turned disastrous with a single over that he bowled going for an astonishing 30 runs, effectively ending his chances of further participation in the tournament. He wasn’t trusted again with either the bat or ball, and his role remained restricted to warming the bench.
With a large pool of T20 all-rounders in the circuit and Gujarat boasting better performing domestic pace-bowling options, it makes little sense for them to retain Janat. His lack of involvement and the costly over he bowled not only hurt his chances in the current season but also may prompt the franchise to release him. Gujarat may instead use that overseas slot for a more proven all-rounder or an emerging international player with a stronger domestic T20 record.
Also READ: IPL 2025: 5 players Mumbai Indians should release from their current squad ft. Rohit Sharma
