The 2024 IPL was a challenging season for Gujarat Titans. The team’s regular captain, Hardik Pandya, was traded to Mumbai Indians. Following this, the team handed over the captaincy to star batsman Shubman Gill. However, ahead of IPL 2025, Gujarat hinted at the possibility of appointing Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan as captain in place of Gill. This indication was made on New Year’s Day 2025.

Rashid Khan was the highest-priced player retained by Gujarat before the mega auction, with the team keeping him for Rs 18 crore. In contrast, Shubman Gill, who captained the team last season, was retained for Rs 16.50 crore.

Social Media Post Sparks Captaincy Speculation

On New Year’s Day 2025, Gujarat Titans posted on X, stating, “A clean slate. A new story.” The post included a picture of Rashid Khan’s jersey with the number 19, fueling speculation about him being appointed as captain. However, the team has not made any official announcement regarding the captaincy yet.

Gujarat’s IPL Journey: From Debut to Runner-Up

Gujarat Titans made their IPL debut in 2022, appointing all-rounder Hardik Pandya as captain. Under his leadership, the team won the title in their very first season. The next season, IPL 2023, saw them reach the final but they ended up as runners-up. In 2024, Hardik Pandya parted ways with the team, and Shubman Gill took over the captaincy. Unfortunately, under Gill’s leadership, the Gujarat Titans failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Rashid Khan Reflects on His First Match as Gujarat Captain

“That was a special match as it was my first match as captain in IPL, and that too during Ramadan. I woke up at 3 am for sehri. I got a message from Ashish Nehra, saying ‘Khan sahab get ready. Hardik might not play as he is not well.’ There was excitement and pressure. It was a dream,” Rashid Khan had shared earlier on the Gujarat Titans podcast.

Gujarat Titans Squad for IPL 2025

Gujarat Titans have put together a strong squad for the 2025 IPL season, combining experienced players and young talent:

Retained / Core Players:

Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia

Key Signings:

Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna

All-Rounders & Bowlers:

Washington Sundar, Sherfane Rutherford, R Sai Kishore

Emerging Talent:

Gurnur Singh Brar, Mohammad Arshad Khan, Kumar Kushagra

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