IPL 2025: 3 GT players who might be benched for the whole season

The Gujarat Titans (GT) have been one of the most consistent teams in the IPL ever since their debut, clinching the title in their very first season in 2022. Over the years, GT has built a strong team, comprising a solid mix of world-class international players and emerging domestic talents. 

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In IPL 2025, GT has come up with a strong squad, with Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, Rashid Khan, and Kagiso Rabada taking charge. With such a solid backbone, GT is well-set to reach the playoffs.

Yet, putting together a strong team does come along with its challenges, especially for players who cannot break into the playing XI. With a much-probable XI already with some quality in both batting and bowling, several players might spend the entire season on the bench. 

These players may have the caliber to be the game changer, yet may be denied the chance for contributions because of the strategies being put into work by highly experienced key players.

Let us have a look at the three GT players who might be benched throughout the season:

1. Jayant Yadav

An all-rounder with a significant amount of experience in the field of off-spin bowling, Jayant Yadav is a guy who supplies versatility to the team he plays with. In the format of T20, he has been associated with 88 games in which he could take 52 wickets with an economy rate of 6.33 and the best bowling figure of 4/22. He has batted for a total of 388 runs at a strike rate of 117.93. Despite such numbers, Jayant has mostly acted as a utility player and has mostly been trusted for his bowling in spin-friendly conditions.

But for Jayant, it will be more difficult to get in the playing XI in terms of the current setup of GT. Jayant would probably be left out of the final squad as it already comprised Rashid Khan and Washington Sundar as spin options, unless the team required his inclusion for specific conditions. Additionally, GT's batting line-up is too strong and will not be able to compensate with his batting contributions.

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However, Jayant's experience and utility as a player will not suffice considering the strong spin department along with the possible unavailability for selection in the probable XI, leading to him perhaps spending IPL 2025 on the bench.

2. Kulwant Khejroliya

Kulwant Khejroliya, a left-arm pacer, has been a consistent performer in domestic T20 cricket. He has taken 26 wickets in 25 T20 matches at an economy rate of 8.06 with the best bowling figure of 4/26. 

Although he has the potential, Kulwant may not be able to find a place in GT's playing XI. The team already has a strong pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada, Mohammad Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna. These bowlers are well-established in T20 cricket and have consistently delivered at the international and IPL levels. With such depth in the fast-bowling department, Kulwant is likely to serve as a backup option, waiting for injuries or squad rotation to get a chance.

Although Kulwant has the skills to make an impact, the competition for pace-bowling slots in GT's lineup may keep him on the bench for most, if not all, of IPL 2025.

3. Karim Janat

Karim Janat is a versatile player from Afghanistan who has promised well in T20 cricket. He has taken 117 wickets from 156 T20 matches at an economy rate of 7.78. His best bowling figure stands at 5/11. As a batsman, he has scored 2,341 runs at a strike rate of 127.70. He has proven himself as a good finisher. He has been an even more successful player in T20Is and has cemented his position as a dependable bowling all-rounder.

Despite these fantastic numbers, Janat will have hard competition in the GT's playing XI. The side already has proven all-rounders like Rahul Tewatia and Washington Sundar, who have been tremendous performers both in IPL and domestic cricket. On top of that, overseas slots in the playing XI are likely to be more sought after by big guns like Jos Buttler, Rashid Khan, and Kagiso Rabada, leaving little space for Janat.

Unless GT chooses to go in for squad rotation or suffers from injuries, Janat will have to warm the bench throughout the season. Although his talent is undeniable, the current combination and priorities of the team make his inclusion unlikely.

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