Gujarat Titans have qualified for the playoffs [Source: AP Photos]
Gujarat Titans may have been the first team to qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs, but things haven’t looked great lately. They’ve lost some important matches after sealing a playoff spot, which might stop them from finishing in the top two, something that would have given them a better chance in the playoffs.
They’ve won 9 out of their 13 matches so far, but their recent performances have been disappointing. They failed to chase targets in their last two games against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). These losses raised some serious questions about their readiness for the playoffs starting May 29.
So, let’s dive and break down the main problems they’re facing:
1. Middle Order Exposed!
The opening duo, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan has been quite impactful and they have been in top form throughout the season for GT. So far, the duo have scored over 900 runs in 14 games. But after them, things fall apart.
Jos Buttler was expected to bat at number three, but he won’t be available for the playoffs because of national duties. That’s a big blow.
The middle-order batters haven’t had many chances to bat this season, and when they did get an opportunity in pressure situations, they couldn’t perform. Against LSG, Shahrukh Khan and Sherfane Rutherford tried to steady the chase but fell short. In another match, Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan also failed to step up.
Players
Runs
Inns
Average
Strike rate
Shahrukh Khan
166
10
33.2
178.49
Shrefane Rutherford
267
10
33.38
157.06
Rahul Tewatia
83
11
10.38
172.92
This lack of depth could be a big problem, especially when stronger teams target this weakness in the playoffs.
2. Rashid Khan Being Vulnerable
Vice-captain Rashid Khan has had a tough season. He’s usually one of GT’s biggest match-winners, but this year he hasn’t delivered with either bat or ball. He’s managed just 40 runs in 7 innings and taken only 9 wickets in 14 matches. That’s far below his usual standard, and it’s hurting the team.
Rashid Khan's Batting Stat In IPL 2025
Runs
Inns
Average
Strike rate
40
7
8
153.85
Rashid Khan's Bowling Stat In IPL 2025
Wkts
Inns
Economy
Strike rate
9
14
9.47
34
Right now, GT are over relying on Sai Kishore, which certainly make things worse for them. Meanwhile, Rashid’s drop in form is a concern, especially in crunch matches.
3. Pace Attack Losing Its Edge
At the start of the season, GT’s pace attack looked strong. But as the tournament progressed, their fast bowlers started to struggle.
Mohammed Siraj, who was effective in the early matches, has been under performing recently, going wicketless in the last three games and giving away plenty of runs. Kagiso Rabada, another key pacer, won’t be available for the playoffs due to South Africa’s World Test Championship commitments.
Mohammed Siraj's Performance In Last Three IPL League Matches
Match
Date
Score
67th T20 vs CSK
25 May
0-47
64th T20 vs LSG
22 May
0-37
60th T20 vs DC
18 May
0-37
Prasidh Krishna has been the only consistent pacer, taking 23 wickets in 14 matches. Gerald Coetzee has barely been used and has only taken 2 wickets in 3 games.
GT have talented bowlers, but their performance has been patchy. If they can’t bowl well throughout the innings, it might cost them big in the playoffs.
Final Thoughts
Gujarat Titans have a strong team on paper, but their recent performances show they have some serious cracks to fix, especially in the middle order, Rashid Khan’s form, and their pace bowling unit. If they want to make it all the way this season, they’ll need to step up their game when it matters most.