Gujarat Titans (GT) have been a dominant force in IPL 2025, topping the points table with their explosive batting. However, as the playoffs near, questions arise about their bowling department’s ability to support their batters. With key concerns around Rashid Khan’s form and the fourth seamer’s consistency, GT’s path to another title is not without hurdles. This article explores the nine critical factors that will shape GT’s playoff campaign, from their batting brilliance to their bowling woes, and what it takes for them to clinch the title.
GT’s top order, led by Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, has been unstoppable, amassing runs at a staggering rate. Their partnership has laid the foundation for numerous victories, with GT breaching 200 seven times this season (ESPNcricinfo GT News).
In recent matches, the middle order, particularly Shahrukh Khan and Sherfane Rutherford, has shown it can step up when needed, providing depth and firepower. Their 42% win probability against LSG highlights their potential (Cricbuzz IPL 2025).
Gujarat Titans shine in IPL 2025 with their powerful batting. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan have led the charge, topping the points table. Yet, their bowling raises questions as playoffs approach. Rashid Khan struggles post-surgery, and the fourth seamer leaks runs. Can GT overcome these hurdles to win the title? This article dives into nine key factors shaping GT’s playoff predictions. From batting brilliance to bowling concerns, we uncover what GT needs to succeed. Get ready for a thrilling T20 cricket ride as we analyze GT’s chances in IPL playoffs!
Explosive Batting Fuels GT’s Playoff Hopes
GT’s top order is a powerhouse in IPL 2025. Shubman Gill scores runs with ease. Sai Sudharsan partners him perfectly. Together, they’ve driven GT to seven 200-plus totals. Their partnerships set up big wins. GT tops the IPL points table with 18 points. Their net run rate is +0.602.
This gives them a playoff edge. Jos Buttler adds firepower at the top. However, he won’t play in the playoffs. The top order’s form hides other weaknesses. Teams fear GT’s batting strength. ESPNcricinfo notes their dominance in run chases. Cricbuzz highlights their consistent big scores.
Yet, relying only on top-order runs is risky. Middle-order support is now vital. Shahrukh Khan and Sherfane Rutherford showed promise against LSG. Their 42% win probability late in the game was encouraging. GT’s batting depth can win tight matches. This strength makes them playoff favorites. But they must address bowling issues. Batting alone may not seal the title and its domestic players have to perform.
Key Batsmen to Watch
Shubman Gill leads with consistent big scores like he did in CT 2025. Sai Sudharsan matches him with flair. Jos Buttler won’t play the playoffs, so others must step up. David Miller brings experience to tight games. Rahul Tewatia can finish with quick runs. Their roles will decide GT’s fate.
Bowling Struggles Could Hurt GT’s Title Dreams
GT’s bowling has been shaky in IPL 2025. The third and fourth seamers leak runs. Arshad Khan has an economy rate of 9.21. Ishant Sharma went at 11.18 in seven games. Kulwant Khejroliya struggled in his only match. These weaknesses put pressure on the main bowlers. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna have been solid.
But they can’t do it alone. Kagiso Rabada won’t play in the playoffs. His absence is a big blow. ESPNcricinfo notes teams target GT’s weaker bowlers. Rashid Khan isn’t at his best either. His economy rate is 9.38 this season. This is his worst IPL performance. Cricbuzz reports his googly lacks zip.
Post-surgery issues may be the cause. Sai Kishore bowled well but got hit against LSG. GT needs better bowling plans. Gerald Coetzee could be the answer. His economy rate is 7.66. Giving him more games makes sense. Fixing the bowling is key for playoff predictions. GT can’t rely only on batting.
Rashid Khan’s Form Under Scrutiny
Rashid Khan is GT’s star spinner. But he’s struggling in IPL 2025. His economy rate is 9.38. He’s taken only eight wickets. His googly isn’t surprising for batsmen. Surgery in 2023 may be affecting him. ESPNcricinfo says confidence is an issue. GT delayed his bowling against LSG. This shows low trust from the team. Fixing his form is crucial as Shubhman Gill, as captain, has once lost to Zimbabwe in a low-scoring T20 in 2024.
Middle Order Steps Up for Playoffs
GT’s middle order has been underused in IPL 2025. The top order scores most runs. Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler dominate. This left little chance for Nos. 4 to 7. Their middle order has the worst average. But their strike rate is the best. Shahrukh Khan shone against LSG. He scored vital runs with Sherfane Rutherford. They pushed GT’s win probability to 42%. Cricbuzz praised their partnership.
This shows depth in the squad. Shahrukh Khan hit big sixes. Sherfane Rutherford played smart shots. David Miller and Rahul Tewatia add experience. Their roles grow in the playoffs. Jos Buttler won’t be there. So, the middle order must deliver. ESPNcricinfo notes their recent form is promising.
They need more time batting. GT’s loss to LSG gave them practice. This could help in tight games. A strong middle order boosts playoff predictions. GT’s batting depth is a big plus.
Shahrukh Khan’s Rising Impact
Shahrukh Khan is a power hitter and he has to be consistent like Ben Stokes. He showed skill against LSG. His sixes were game-changing. He played smart shots too. ESPNcricinfo calls him a playoff asset. His form gives GT confidence. He could be a match-winner.
Strategic Playoff Positioning
GT leads the IPL points table with 18 points. Their net run rate is +0.602. This puts them in the top two. The Times of India says this gives a playoff advantage. A top-two finish offers two chances to reach the final. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are close behind. They have a game in hand.
GT’s losses to LSG and RR show weaknesses. But their overall form is strong. Cricbuzz notes their consistent wins. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna lead the bowling. Gerald Coetzee could replace Kagiso Rabada. The middle order is finding form. Shahrukh Khan and Sherfane Rutherford are key.
GT must fix their bowling leaks. Rashid Khan needs to regain form. Their batting gives them an edge. Playoff games will test their balance. GT’s strategy must be as sharp as India’s in the CT 2025 knockouts.
Coetzee’s Potential Role
Gerald Coetzee has an economy rate of 7.66. He’s played only two games. ESPNcricinfo suggests he could solve the fourth seamer issue. His inclusion makes sense for the playoffs. He could be a game-changer.
Conclusion
GT’s batting makes them IPL 2025 favorites. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan lead with big runs. Shahrukh Khan and Sherfane Rutherford add middle-order strength. But bowling is a worry. Rashid Khan must find his form. The fourth seamer needs fixing. Gerald Coetzee could be the key.
Despite bowling concerns, GT’s batting strength and recent middle-order contributions give them a solid foundation for the playoffs. If they can tighten their bowling, particularly Rashid Khan, they stand a good chance of going deep into the tournament. The coming matches will be telling, but GT has shown they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.
GT’s top-two spot gives them an edge. Their net run rate is strong. Playoffs will test their balance. Fans are excited for T20 cricket action. GT has the tools to win. They must tighten their bowling. The next games will show their strength. GT can lift the IPL playoffs trophy with focus.
