IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans SWOT Analysis

In this article, we take a look at the SWOT Analysis of Gujarat Titans following the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. 

Strength

After a disappointing 2023 campaign, Ashish Nehra and co. have put together one of the most complete squads on paper, following the 2025 mega auction. They have players who can hammer away from the start, consolidate through the middle phase and bring it home in the end. 

The top order of Shubman Gill, Jos Butler and Sai Sudarshan is one of the most in-form and dangerous top orders in the IPL heading into the 2025 season. They also have an explosive middle order composed of Shahrukh Khan, one of Glenn Philips or Sherfane Rutherford and Rahul Tewatia. 

Moreover, they’ve filled the hole left by Mohammad Shami and co. by bringing in quality pacers like Kagiso Rabada, Mohamed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. Last year’s breakthrough star, Gerald Coetzee will be the back-up to Rabada, while they also have the likes of Ishant Sharma, Kulwant Khejroliya and Afghani allrounder Karim Janat to provide further pace reinforcements. 

Weakness

With their formidable top order and class bowling department, the Gujarat Titans have left themselves short in the middle order. They’ve done really good business in acquiring the services of Kiwi Glenn Philips at base price, however, only one of Philips or Rutherford will play as the team’s designated overseas batter.

Moreover, GT don’t have any experienced backups to their two Indian middle order batters. Mahipal Lomror will most likely play as their Impact Sub, leaving the two wicketkeepers Anuj Rawat and Kumar Kushagra as the only other viable options.

Opportunity

Although Sunrisers Hyderabad made it to the final of last season’s IPL final, Washington Sundar played just two games – that too as an Impact Sub. However, since then, the Tamil Nadu player has gone from strength to strength, emerging as one of the top choices for the Indian cricket team. 

After two fruitful T20I series against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, Sundar had an excellent Test series against New Zealand, taking 16 wickets in 2 Tests. Moreover, his ability to bat anywhere from opening to #7 will come as an asset with GT having a right-hander heavy batting line-up. 

Another left-hander who will look to make a difference at GT is Rajasthan’s Mahipal Lomror. The 25-year-old played largely as an Impact Sub for Royal Challengers Bangalore last season. Lomror has been in fine form for Rajasthan this Ranji season, scoring 529 runs in three First Class games, including an unbeaten 300 against Uttarakhand. 

Threat

As highlighted in the Weakness section, the GT middle order looks light on paper and those entrusted to carry the mantle have question marks written all over them. Another cause for concern is both their Indian players in playing XI (Shahrukh Khan & Rahul Tewatia) haven’t scored more than 200 runs in their last two campaigns. 

The 29-year-old Tamil Nadu player Shahrukh Khan has had quite a few seasons in the IPL, however, the explosive batter has failed to deliver on his potential in all these years. In his four years of playing in the IPL, Shahrukh has never crossed the 200-runs mark. 

Similarly, Rahul Tewatia, after his breakthrough season in 2020, has failed to live up to that potential. But the GT hierarchy have yet again trusted the 31-year-old to deliver those 3-4 match altering innings in a season. 

Moreover, a lot will be riding on whoever they go with as their #4 batter. Both Glenn Philips and Sherfane Rutherford bring their own unique skillsets to the table but neither batter has set the world of cricket alight over the past one year or so. With their strong top order and potentially bowling line-up, how the GT middle order fares will make or break GT’s season.   

Probable XII: Shubman Gill, Jos Butler, Sai Sudarshan, Glenn Philips/Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, R Sai Kishore/Mahipal Lomror (Impact Sub) 

Prediction: 1st