IPL 2025: Mohammed Shami OUT of Gujarat Titans reveals ex-India cricketer

In a bold prediction, former Indian batter and cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has voiced his opinion on the potential retentions of Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The former cricketer predicted that the Gujarat Titans (GT) might not retain their pace spearhead, Mohammed Shami, despite his stellar performances in the past seasons for the upcoming IPL 2025.

He stressed that GT might overlook Mohammed Shami due to lingering injury concerns and opt to retain only three capped players for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction.

Mohammed Shami, who emerged as the Purple Cap winner in IPL 2023 with a staggering 28 wickets, has been sidelined with an ankle injury since the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Aakash Chopra predicts Mohammed Shami and David Miller are likely to be left out by Gujarat Titans (GT)

His absence from IPL 2024 and continued recovery have raised doubts about his future with the GT. Chopra has opined that the IPL 2022 champions might opt to retain only three capped players for the upcoming auction, including captain Shubman Gill and star spinner Rashid Khan.

Gill’s batting brilliance and Rashid’s magic with the ball make them indispensable assets for the Titans, according to the commentator. However, the third retention might surprise many, as Chopra leaned towards Sai Sudharsan, praising his potential market value if released into the auction pool.

The real shocker came when Chopra suggested GT should not retain any other marquee players, including Shami. Citing Mohammed Shami’s injury woes, Chopra expressed doubts over the star Indian pacer's long-term fitness and hinted that the GT might look beyond him.

Furthermore, Chopra hinted that veteran stars like Kane Williamson and David Miller also might not make the cut for retention. According to the cricket pandit, Williamson and Miller would not get the hefty price tag that justifies their retention at the top tier.

With the GT potentially looking to revamp their squad, a major reshuffle could be on the horizon ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025, but Chopra felt that one thing is clear: Mohammed Shami's future with the Titans is far from certain, and the upcoming mega auction can be a game changer for them.

GT might not retain Shami because of injury concerns: Chopra

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: “One will be a very straightforward retention that you have to keep Shubman Gill. The second is a no-brainer; that's Rashid Khan. You should retain him as well. I feel Sai Sudharsan is the third player they should retain. If Sai Sudharsan goes to the market, he will take 8 to 10 crores for sure, and you will be able to retain him for 11 crores.”

Chopra added, “After that, they don't have any other player who is worth 18 crores, who will be sold for 18 crores if you release them, whether it's Kane Williamson, Mohammed Shami, David Miller, or any other name. I am saying this team might not retain Shami because of injury concerns.”

At the end, Chopra suggested that GT might retain two uncapped players—Rahul Tewatia and Mohit Sharma—for four crores each. He added that they could use a Right to Match (RTM) card for Miller if they choose, but they might also let him go and look for other options.

Chopra signed off by predicting the possibility of GT targeting a wicketkeeper-batter like Phil Salt in the IPL 2025 mega auction to strengthen their batting, as Wriddhiman Saha might not be as effective anymore. Additionally, they could use the RTM card for Noor Ahmad or Shami.