If you are a Gujarat Titans (GT) supporter, then the 2025 IPL season seems like a fairground thrill ride. For a considerable part of the league stage, GT seemed like they were gliding toward a top-two finish. But then came the playoff drama – an elimination slip-up that turned their campaign on a dime. To be truthful, GT has a good base and plenty of positives to work with. But if they are to return even stronger in 2026 – and actually win it all – they have several difficult calls to make. Several players didn’t perform to their pedigree, and with the auction around the corner, it is worth revisiting whether it is time to say goodbye to some names to release money and places for new talent!
Kagiso Rabada: When Star Power Doesn’t Match the Scoreboard
On paper, Kagiso Rabada looked like the dream signing. At the 2025 auction, GT invested a whopping ₹10.75 crore, counting on him to anchor their pace attack. What did they get instead? Four games, two wickets, and an economy rate that had fans hiding behind the couch—11.57, to be precise.
Yes, there were off-field issues, including a reported drug-related incident that cut his season short, but even on the field, Rabada hasn’t been the same force he once was. His death-bowling magic? Missing. Powerplay threat? Barely there. At this price tag, GT could easily pick up two promising young pacers instead of banking on a reputation that isn’t translating into performances.
Ishant Sharma: Experience vs. Expiry Date
Ah, Ishant Sharma. The man’s been around since the days when “T20 specialist” wasn’t even a thing. Credit where it’s due: he’s had his moments in the IPL, but 2025 was not kind to him. Seven matches, four wickets, and an economy rate of 11.18—it doesn’t exactly scream “match-winner,” does it?
At 36, Ishant brings wisdom, but T20 cricket rewards pace, not pep talks. GT needs bowlers who can deliver under pressure, not just offer moral support from mid-off. If Ashish Nehra and Co. are serious about building a young, hungry bowling unit, they have to make the tough call here.
Karim Janat: The Overseas Slot Conundrum
Karim Janat in GT’s roster felt like a puzzle piece from the wrong box—never quite fitting into the bigger picture. Overseas slots are precious in the IPL, and you expect players who can either whack sixes at will or bowl game-changing spells. Janat, unfortunately, did neither.
He played just one game in IPL 2025, bowled one over that disappeared for plenty, and didn’t even get a chance to show what he could do with the bat. If GT wanted a pace-bowling all-rounder, there were better options out there. Keeping Janat for another season would be like saving a seat at a party for someone who never shows up.
Releasing Rabada, Ishant, and Janat could free up cash and spots for younger, more impactful players. After all, in T20 cricket, sentiment doesn’t win you trophies—runs and wickets do.
FAQs
1: What went wrong for Ishant Sharma in IPL 2025?
He picked up just four wickets while leaking runs at an economy of 11.18.
2: Could GT buy back Rabada at a lower price?
Yes, but only if they believe he can rediscover his old form.
4: What is GT’s biggest need at the IPL 2026 auction?
Reliable death bowlers and all-rounders who can handle high-pressure moments.
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