Gujarat Titans (GT) head coach Ashish Nehra recently shared the reasoning behind the franchise’s decision to let go of star pacer Mohammed Shami ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Despite Shami’s stellar contributions, including 48 wickets across two successful seasons, the Titans chose not to exercise their Right to Match (RTM) card, allowing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to acquire him for INR 10 crore.
The decision surprised many, as Shami had been a pivotal figure in GT’s triumph in IPL 2022. With one RTM card available, it was widely expected that the Titans would use it to re-sign the experienced Bengal pacer. However, the franchise opted against it, citing strategic considerations and budgetary constraints.
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Nehra explained the rationale, stating that while Shami was central to their plans, the retention of other key players left little room for maneuvering. “We wanted to retain Shami, but retention is always a complex process,” Ashish Nehra said on Jio Cinema. “With players like Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, and Sai Sudharsan already retained, we had limited options. The RTM card was an option, but INR 10 crore was a steep price. These decisions are never easy.”
He also acknowledged Shami’s immense contributions and emphasized the challenges of executing auction strategies. “Shami has been phenomenal for us and will always be remembered for his role in GT’s success. However, in an open auction, strategies don’t always align with outcomes,” Ashosh Nehra added.
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Mohammed Shami has since joined the Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking a new chapter in his IPL career. The 34-year-old pacer recently returned to competitive cricket following an ankle injury, representing Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In the latter, Shami has already made an impact, picking up four wickets in three matches.
Shami’s exit is a major change for GT; however, his regained form and fitness indicate that he is still a significant player, offering thrilling opportunities for SRH in the forthcoming IPL season.
