Rashid Khan's Poor Form And? 3 Factors That Could Prevent GT From Winning IPL 2025

Shubman Gill-led GT lost to LSG yesterday [Source: AP]

Gujarat Titans (GT) had a forgettable outing on Thursday night, as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) swatted them aside by 33 runs in the 64th group-stage game of the competition. Despite Shahrukh Khan's valiant batting effort, the Titans couldn't achieve the monumental target of 236 runs, which the Super Giants had set, riding on Mitchell Marsh's scintillating ton and a breezy fifty from Nicholas Pooran. 

Despite claiming the top spot in the points table, all doesn't seem well for GT, as they have some evident flaws in their game. As they gear up for the playoffs, here are three key factors which might derail their IPL 2025 campaign. 

1. Rashid Khan's Horrible Form

(Rashid Khan's IPL 2025 stats)

• Ace Afghan spinner Rashid Khan has been a pale shadow of himself in the IPL 2025. Renowned as a master with a bag full of tricks, Rashid has been comfortably read by the batters, managing only eight wickets in 13 matches at a horrendous average of 55.13. 
• While he has taken almost six overs to provide a breakthrough, his economy of 9.38 signifies how easily the batters have tackled his variations. 
• Rashid's underwhelming performance is certainly is huge concern for GT, given that he is their lead spinner in the tournament. So, unless the Afghan spin maestro regains his mojo, it could be incredibly tough for the Titans to maintain a winning streak in the playoffs. 

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2. Prasidh Krishna Lone Warrior In Pace Department

(GT fast bowlers in IPL 2025)

• While Prasidh Krishna has grabbed a million eyeballs through a string of exceptional outings, the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj and Arshad Khan haven't been as impactful as the former with the ball. 
• As shown in the above table, Rabada, Siraj and Arshad average considerably higher than Prasidh, who has struck in every 15 balls this season. 
• Siraj, in particular, has disappointed the Titans of late, managing only six wickets at a mediocre average of 53.17 and an economy of 9.67 in his last nine IPL 2025 outings. 
• Thus, GT seamers must assist Krishna, who seems to be their lone warrior with the ball at the moment. 

3. Jos Buttler's Absence For Playoffs

(Jos Buttler in IPL 2025)

• Swashbuckling English batter Jos Buttler has been prolific for Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025 season. Coming at number three, Buttler has amassed 533 runs at a superb average of 66.63 and a strike rate of 165.02. 
• However, the veteran cricketer won't be available for the playoffs, as he is set to join the English side for their upcoming white-ball series against West Indies. Given that Buttler is GT's key batter alongside skipper Gill and his opening partner B Sai Sudharsan, the 2022 edition champions will dearly the former's services. 
• In his absence, Kusal Mendis will likely be drafted into the Titans' lineup. However, the Sri Lankan batter hasn't played the IPL before, so it could be a huge challenge for him to fill Buttler's void. 
• Thus, the unavailability of the in-form Jos Buttler could expose GT's middle order, which has blown hot and cold in the competition. 

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