Gujarat Titans, the reigning IPL champions, are gearing up for the upcoming mega auction by retaining three key players: captain Shubman Gill, star spinner Rashid Khan, and left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan. Uncapped hitters Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan are also expected to be retained by the franchise.
Gill, a highly-rated young batsman, led the Titans for the first time in 2023, guiding them to an eighth-place finish. Despite the team’s overall performance, Gill’s leadership qualities and potential as a future Indian captain have impressed the franchise.
Rashid Khan, the Afghan spin wizard, has been a consistent performer for the Titans since joining in 2022. In his debut season, he claimed 19 wickets, followed by 27 wickets in the following year. While his form dipped slightly in 2023, with 10 wickets in 12 games, his experience and match-winning abilities make him an invaluable asset.
Sai Sudharsan, a rising star in Indian cricket, had a breakout year in 2023, amassing 527 runs in 12 games, including a century. His impressive performances have earned him a place in the national team, where he has featured in three ODIs and a T20.
Uncapped all-rounder Shahrukh Khan, known for his explosive batting, is another player expected to be retained by the Titans. With a strike rate of 169.33, he provides a valuable option in the middle order.
IPL veteran Rahul Tewatia, a left-handed batsman, is also likely to be retained. With close to 100 IPL games under his belt, Tewatia brings experience and a high strike rate to the team.
The mega auction is expected to be held overseas in the last week of November, with an increased auction purse of Rs 120 crore. Teams can retain up to six players from their existing squad, the highest number in IPL history.
