Aakash Chopra with a keen eye has handpicked a lineup of players whom the Gujarat Titans (GT) might contemplate holding onto before the IPL 2025 auction. He humorously points out that the franchise might find itself in a bit of a pickle when deciding on Mohammed Shamis fate.
GT campaign in IPL 2024 concluded with an eighthplace finish after their triumph two seasons ago and a close call in the previous years final. Regrettably Mohammed Shami the Purple Cap holder in IPL 2023 had to sit out the recent tournament due to an ankle injury.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Chopra stated that the Gujarat Titans may consider Shami’s age before deciding on his retention.
“I will think whether I can go towards Mohammed Shami. He missed this year because of injury but the only thing that goes against him is that he is not getting younger. It’s a three-year retention, so will you want to retain him? He wasn’t very expensive and it’s enough even if he gives me two years. So Shami will be my choice.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener suggested Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan as the first two players the Gujarat Titans should keep.
“Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan will be my first two retentions. I have to keep them and I feel this team will also want to keep them because Sai Sudharsan is consistent and this team is seeing their future around Shubman Gill, and that is why he was the captain as well this year.”
Aakash Chopra
With 527 runs in 12 innings, Sudharsan was the Titans’ leading run-scorer in IPL 2024. Gill (426) came in second in terms of runs scored, with David Miller (210) a distant third.
“I will still want to retain Rashid Khan somehow” – Aakash Chopra on Gujarat Titans’ third retention
Rashid Khan was chosen by Aakash Chopra as the Gujarat Titans’ third player to be retained.
“I will still want to retain Rashid Khan somehow, that if he stays, he could be my third retention. You can figure it out. He might be the second retention and Sai Sudharsan might be the third. However, I will definitely want to retain these three players.”
Aakash Chopra
While Noor Ahmad may be retained, the reputable commentator believes all other players will be dismissed.
“I will think about Noor Ahmad and then I might let him go or retain him because I feel you will have more options when you come to the big auction. I don’t see too many other names seeing whom you would say that this guy should be retained. You will have to leave everyone and try to build the team afresh.”
Aakash Chopra
It remains to be known how many players the franchises will be permitted to keep. Additional retention alternatives for the Titans might include Rahul Tewatia, Sai Kishore, and David Miller.