Gujarat Titans made their IPL debut in 2022. Founded in 2021, the young team represents Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The franchise owners are CVC Capital Partners who won a bid of Rs. 5625 in the IPL auction ahead of the 2022 season. Hardik Pandya was picked as Gujarat Titans’ captain and Ashish Nehra as the head coach. Additionally, Gary Kirsten was appointed the batting coach and mentor of the young team. Gujarat Titans broke into the IPL scene at a time when some teams had already made a mark as the format’s stalwarts. However, in their first season itself, Gujarat Titans showed the IPL fans the prowess of their bold and raw energy.
Gujarat Titans: A Stellar Debut
Gujarat Titans’ IPL debut was a cinematic masterpiece. They climbed to the top of the league table by winning 10 out of 14 games. To add to the drama, they beat veterans like Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 1 and made it to the finals! Could it get more interesting than this? Well, it did. They beat the Royals in the finals on their home ground with more than 10,000 IPL fans as spectators. This was a moment when Gujarat Titans got itself a fan base very early in its IPL career. Gujarat Titans had witnessed a challenging auction before its debut. Its best picks were Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, David Miller, etc. There were few on whose shoulders the team’s fate rested.
However, when it came to delivering, captain Hardik Pandya harnessed the Titans’ power to a lightning degree. Result? The fans got to witness a historical title chase. They became the second team to win the title in the debut season after Rajasthan Royals. Gujarat Titans’ IPL debut was a cinematic masterpiece. They climbed to the top of the league table by winning 10 out of 14 games. To add to the drama, they beat veterans like Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 1 and made it to the finals! Could it get more interesting than this? Well, it did. They beat the Royals in the finals on their home ground with more than 10,000 IPL fans as spectators.
Who Are The Key Players For Gujarat Titans In 2024
- Hardik Pandya: Pandya was a Mumbai Indians loyalist since the beginning of his IPL journey in 2015. The detour for him happened in 2021. The Gujarat Titans acquired him for Rs 15 crore (about US$ 1.9 million), and he led the team to victory and how! Hardik Pandya’s scorecard was the one to do the talking. 487 runs at a strike rate of over 130 and eight wickets. Despite his mediocre batting and bowling in 2023, his contributions in 2022 didn’t go unnoticed.
- Mohammed Shami: In 2022 and 2023, Shami was one of the strongest pillars for GT. He took 48 wickets at an economy rate of 8 runs per over. Titans spent Rs 6.25 crore (about US$826,000) for him at auction. With 28 wickets, he led the season’s wicket-takers list in 2023.
- Rashid Khan: In addition to taking 19 wickets, he scored vital runs at a strike rate of 200+, solidifying his status as a versatile player. For a major part of the 2023 season, he and Shami were tied for the purple cap. However, Rashid finished with 27, one less than Shami.
- David Miller: Miller shined in 2022. He scored 481 runs at an average of over 68 and a strike rate of 142.72. He made a mark as a dependable finisher and garnered the team’s support. Although 2023 was a disappointing season for him, it didn’t hamper the Gujarat Titans’ progress to the finals. Unfortunately, GT did not retain David Miller for the 2025 season. GT played a gamble over this as David Miller provides strong support in the lower batting order.
What’s In Store For The Titans? A Brief SWOT Analysis
- Strengths: Top-tier bowlers like Gerald Coetzee, Ishant Sharma, Rashid Khan, and Kagiso Rabada are expected to relieve some of the strain on Mohammed Siraj. The large pool of all-rounder players makes Gujarat Titans one of the most evenly matched teams in IPL.
- Weaknesses: Unlike top-notch bowlers, the team doesn’t have a top-ranking batting order. Therefore, all the run-hitting has to be shouldered by the chosen few: Shubhman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler.
- Opportunities: The upcoming season can be a make-or-break campaign for players like Mohammed Siraj, Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, etc. Their predecessors like David Miller and Shami are no longer a part of Gujarat Titans. Hence, a lot rests on their shoulders.
- Threats: Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians has left a gap in Gujarat Titans’ fast-bowling department. The team didn’t retain Azmatullah Omarzai either which has widened the gap. Gujarat Titans could have a difficult time faring the playoffs.
The GT’s Captaincy: Challenges And Opportunities
With Shubhman Gill holding the baton as Gujarat Titans’ captain, fans are yet to the unfolding of the player and his game. Hardik Pandya has left remarkable footprints for his successor to follow. Although this will be Gill’s second season as captain, he has more on his plate than one can imagine. After a disappointing finish in the last season, at number 8th position, this one’s a crucial campaign for him. Gujarat Titans aim to see their future with Gill despite Jos Buttler being a team member in the 2025 season.
Key Takeaway: Gujarat Titans
In sum, a lot is expected from Gill and Buttler, who should be the openers ideally. With Sudharsan and Phillips following next, the team will have to exploit its best chance. Shubhman Gill has a lot to juggle in terms of his resources, especially in the batting order. The captain will have a wide range of bowling options to pick from too. Siraj, Rabada, and Sundar are expected to contribute significantly in the first six overs of the power play. Will GT pick themselves up to glory again? The 2025 season is here to tell!
