IPL 2025: 5 GT players who were benched for majority of the season despite huge salaries

With a third-place finish and a playoff berth, the Gujarat Titans enjoyed a successful IPL 2025 season. Their campaign was based on a solid foundation, with department-wide leaders being reliable performers.

Advertisment

Even so, several expensive additions spent the majority of the tournament warming the bench. There was little to no activity from these expensive players, which raised questions about resource usage and selection decisions.

Here are 5 GT players who were benched for the majority of the season despite huge salaries:

1. Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada, who was purchased for INR 10.75 crore, only appeared in four games and took two wickets while giving up 162 runs at an economy above 11. Due to his drug use prohibition, he missed a portion of the season for the WTC final and then departed early.

Advertisment

Rabada had a long history, but his absence meant GT had to assemble their bowling core without him. After the first few games, his costly salary became a sunk cost with no return as the team moved on to better-fitting players.

2. Gerald Coetzee

Gerald Coetzee, who GT acquired for INR 2.4 crore, was benched for the duration of the 2025 IPL season. He was a backup in all four of GT's games, taking two wickets at an economy rate of 10.91.

Despite his sheer speed and previous international experience, GT continued to use their chosen seamers. In retrospect, his price tag seems high because he was not selected due to foreign player restrictions and more effective in-form alternatives.

3. Mahipal Lomror

Advertisment

Mahipal Lomror didn't play in any of GT's IPL 2025 matches, even though he was purchased for INR 1.70 crore. He was included as a middle-order spin-hitting alternative.

But since GT's middle order was mostly established and there were other options with greater strength or usefulness, Lomror was left unutilized. His benching serves as a reminder that when a team's strategy relies on foreign experts, domestic all-rounders are frequently left out.

4. Gurnoor Singh Brar

Gurnoor Singh Brar was benched for the entire 2025 IPL season after being acquired by GT for INR 1.30 crore. He didn't participate in any games, even though he was a tall, left-arm fast bowler. GT may have invested in Brar's skills and chosen him as a backup.

Brar was lower in the hierarchy than more seasoned stars, and GT's pace battery was full. Despite his promise, he was unable to defend his auction price from the sidelines due to his lack of IPL experience.

5. Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar, a member of GT's IPL 2025 lineup, participated in six games, collecting two wickets and scoring 80 runs. He occasionally didn't fit the playing XI mix and was benched following poor performances.

 Sundar, who was brought in for his versatility, fell short of expectations with the bat and the ball. GT decided to bench him because other spin possibilities were outperforming him, making his salary and selection a waste of money.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!