IPL Retention 2025: Gujarat Titans Pick Their Five Retainers But Excludes Mohammed Shami - Report

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The Gujarat Titans are poised to retain three key players ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, while notable fast bowler Mohammad Shami will not be among them.

According to sources, the Titans will keep captain Shubman Gill, star spinner Rashid Khan, and left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan. An IPL source confirmed to PTI, "Shubman, Rashid, and Sai will be retained by the franchise."

While uncapped players Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan are also expected to be retained, Shami's absence from the retention list raises eyebrows. As one of the Titans' key members, Shami's exclusion marks a significant shift for the team.

Shubman Gill has emerged as a promising leader for the team, taking the reins for the first time this past season. Under his captaincy, the Titans finished eighth in the league, a marked contrast to their previous successes when they won the tournament in 2022 and finished as runners-up in 2023 under Hardik Pandya's leadership. Gill's potential as a future leader in the Indian cricket setup has only solidified his standing within the franchise.

Rashid Khan, a fan favourite and one of the league's premier bowlers, is also set to stay. Although he had a dip in form this season, taking just 10 wickets in 12 games, his previous seasons with the Titans were impressive. He collected 19 wickets in his debut season in 2022 and followed that up with 27 wickets the next year. His experience and skill make him invaluable, despite the recent decline in his performance.

Sai Sudharsan's retention comes after a breakout year, where he scored 527 runs in 12 games, including a century. The young batter has also made strides on the international stage, appearing in three ODIs and one T20 for India. His consistent performances have earned him a secure spot within the Titans' plans.

The IPL mega auction is anticipated to take place overseas in the last week of November. The auction purse has been raised to Rs 120 crore, giving teams more flexibility in their bids. As the Titans prepare for this new chapter, their retention strategy signals a commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming season.