Following the recent mega auction for the 2025 IPL season, Gujarat Titans (GT), the 2022 IPL champions, drew attention with their strategic acquisitions, particularly signing four left-arm spinners. Assistant coach Parthiv Patel shed light on the team’s rationale, explaining their approach to strengthening the squad and achieving balance in spin and pace departments. Speaking from Jeddah during a virtual press conference, Parthiv emphasized the team’s focus on bolstering their spin arsenal and ensuring depth in their bowling lineup.
Parthiv revealed that R Sai Kishore and Manav Suthar, two left-arm spinners already associated with GT, remain central to their plans. These players complement the team’s star spinner, Rashid Khan. Additionally, the Titans secured versatile options in Nishant Sindhu and Mahipal Lomror during the auction. Both are primarily batters but add value with their ability to contribute with the ball.
Parthiv Patel highlighted this dual utility, noting, “We view them as all-rounders who bring the added skill of spin bowling. Meanwhile, Sai Kishore and Manav Suthar are our primary left-arm spinners, and we’re delighted to have retained them.”
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The Titans also strengthened their fast-bowling unit by acquiring seasoned campaigners like Ishant Sharma and emerging talents such as Gurnoor Brar, Arshad Khan, and Gerald Coetzee. Additionally, marquee pacers Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna were brought in to add firepower.
According to Parthiv, this blend of youth and experience was deliberate. “Our pace attack is designed to hit the deck hard, exactly as per our strategy,” he said. The acquisition of Washington Sundar at INR 3.2 crore was another high point for the Titans. “We didn’t expect him to come at this price. Washington brings quality off-spin and lower-order batting, making him a valuable asset,” Parthiv Patel added.
Speaking about Ishant Sharma, Parthiv underscored the importance of experience in a fast bowler. “Ishant bowled impressively last IPL and has immense experience from his time with the Indian team. He can mentor younger bowlers and deliver crucial performances,” he said.
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A significant highlight of the auction was GT’s marquee signing of Jos Buttler, England’s T20 World Cup-winning captain. Buttler’s versatility as a batter and leader made him an obvious choice. “Jos Buttler brings unmatched skill and leadership. He’s an explosive opener who can also adapt to positions three or four. With his experience and recent captaincy success, he was a perfect fit for our team,” Parthiv remarked.
However, Buttler’s fitness will be monitored, as he had refrained from wicket-keeping in England’s T20I matches after recovering from a calf injury. GT has uncapped keepers Anuj Rawat and Kumar Kushagra as backups. “We’re yet to finalize playing combinations, so we’ll assess our options during team preparations,” Parthiv Patel stated.
Finally, Parthiv elaborated on the team’s INR 2.6 crore purchase of Sherfane Rutherford, a left-handed all-rounder from the West Indies. “Rutherford was a tactical buy. We needed a left-handed middle-order batter who could bring power to our lineup. He fits that role perfectly, and we’re pleased to have him,” Parthiv concluded.
This auction reflects Gujarat Titans’ calculated approach to building a well-rounded squad for the 2025 season. With a mix of proven match-winners and emerging talents, GT looks poised to make another strong title run.
