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After an impressive start to their Indian Premier League (IPL) journey with a title win in their debut season and a runner-up finish the following year, Gujarat Titans (GT) endured a forgettable campaign last year, finishing eighth in the standings. Under the leadership of their new captain, Shubman Gill, things did not go as planned.
Now, as they gear up for IPL 2025, GT is determined to make a strong comeback with a revamped 25-member squad, including five retained players. However, despite the experience in the shortest format, some players might struggle to secure a spot in the playing XI throughout the upcoming season.
Here are the GT players who might be benched for the whole IPL 2025 season
1. Sherfane Rutherford
This West Indies power-hitter, Sherfane Rutherford, might face challenges again in securing consistent game time in the IPL 2025. GT acquired him for ₹2.60 crore during the auction. Despite making his IPL debut back in 2019, Rutherford has managed to play only 10 matches, scoring a modest 106 runs at an average of 15.14 and a strike rate of 101.92.
These numbers highlight his inability to capitalize on the opportunities given, making him a backup option for most teams he's been part of. In the last IPL season, Rutherford was part of the title-winning Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad but did not get a single game.
While he has showcased his power-hitting skills across various global franchise leagues, the IPL has remained a tough platform for him to establish himself. With GT boasting a strong and competitive lineup, it seems likely that Rutherford might once again find himself struggling for a spot in the playing XI.
2. Manav Suthar
For young spinner Manav Suthar, breaking into Gujarat Titans' (GT) playing XI in the IPL 2025 season will be a tough challenge given the wealth of spin options in the squad. GT is expected to rely on their primary spin duo, Washington Sundar and Rashid Khan, who bring both skill and variety to the table.
Additionally, Glenn Phillips’ part-time spin offers further flexibility, making it even harder for reserve spinners to find opportunities. Even Sai Kishore, a more experienced left-arm spinner, might see limited game time, which indicates the steep competition within the squad.
Manav, who was initially picked for ₹20 lakh last season and featured in just one match, conceded 26 runs in two wicketless overs. This year, GT re-signed him for ₹30 lakh, but the prospect of him getting regular matches remains slim. Unless injuries or unforeseen circumstances arise, Manav Suthar is likely to spend much of the season on the sidelines.
3. Karim Janat
Afghanistan all-rounder Karim Janat is set to make his IPL debut in the 2025 season after being picked up by GT for ₹75 lakh. Janat brings a wealth of experience, having featured in 67 T20Is, where he has scored 691 runs at a strike rate of 115.93 and claimed 42 wickets.
He has also showcased his skills in multiple franchise leagues globally and is no stranger to Indian conditions, with 16 T20I appearances in India. In these matches, he scored 108 runs at a strike rate of 127.05 and took 17 wickets with a respectable economy of 8.69.
However, despite his credentials, Janat’s chances of breaking into GT’s playing XI appear slim. With foreign stars like Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, Glenn Phillips, and Gerald Coetzee in the squad, the competition for overseas slots is intense. Unless injuries or form issues create opportunities, Janat might have to wait longer to showcase his abilities in the IPL.
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