As the Gujarat Titans gear up for the IPL 2025 season, they face several challenges that could impact their performance.
After a disappointing eighth-place finish in IPL 2024, the team is under pressure to bounce back and reclaim their status as title contenders.
Here are three major concerns for the Titans as they head into the new season.
1. Death Bowling Woes
Despite having one of the strongest pace attacks in IPL 2025, with players like Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna, Gujarat Titans face significant challenges in their death bowling.
While these bowlers excel with the new ball and in the middle overs, none are recognized as specialist death bowlers. This lack of experience in closing out innings could lead to crucial runs being leaked at the end of matches.
The team’s spin department, led by Rashid Khan and Washington Sundar, is expected to handle middle overs effectively. However, when it comes to bowling in the final overs, Gujarat may need to rely on bench players or adjust their strategy significantly.
2. No. 5 Batting Spot Uncertainty
Another pressing concern for the Titans is filling the No. 5 batting position following David Miller’s departure to another franchise.
Miller had been a reliable performer in that role, and now Gujarat must decide between Sherfane Rutherford and Glenn Phillips—both of whom have limited IPL experience.
Rutherford has played only ten matches since his debut in 2019, while Phillips struggled for opportunities with Sunrisers Hyderabad, managing just five appearances in 2023 and none in 2024.
The lack of proven performance at this crucial batting position could hinder the team’s ability to stabilize innings during pressure situations.
3. Domestic Bench Strength
While Gujarat Titans have a solid starting XI featuring stars like Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Shahrukh Khan, their domestic bench strength raises concerns.
Players such as Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror, and Kumar Kushagra have not demonstrated consistent performances in past seasons.
The Titans may find themselves relying on these players at critical moments, particularly when needing an Impact Player while batting second.
This lack of depth could be detrimental if injuries or form issues arise during the tournament.
