IPL Auction 2025: Bhuvneshwar Kumar declared Gujarat Titans' No.1 target: 'They'll spend INR 8 crore'
Published - 16 Nov 2024, 06:20 PM | Updated - 16 Nov 2024, 11:41 PM
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Former Indian cricketer and renowned analyst Aakash Chopra has made yet another bold prediction for the Gujarat Titans ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. With INR 69 crore left in their purse after retaining marquee players like Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill, and Sai Sudharsan, the Gujarat Titans are set to make strategic additions to their squad at the mega auction.
Chopra reckoned that the veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar will be Gujarat Titans’ prime target at the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction to bolster their bowling arsenal. He believes that the Titans could be ready to invest heavily, potentially up to INR 8 crore, to secure Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s services at the mega auction, as his abilities could thrive under lights.
Aakash Chopra predicts Gujarat Titans will target Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction
According to the former Indian batter, Bhuvneshwar’s ability to exploit conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, along with his exceptional death-bowling skills, makes the Indian seamer an ideal candidate for the Gujarat Titans’ bowling lineup.
Aakash Chopra believes that the Titans might have reserved their Right to Match (RTM) card for key players like Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmad, or David Miller, but there are high chances of them using this for a seasoned campaigner like Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
The cricket pundit said that the 34-year-old pacer still has a few years of top cricket left and could bring much-needed experience to the Titans’ bowling lineup for the next IPL cycle. Chopra also cited the IPL 2022 champions’ previous experiments, like Umesh Yadav, to predict that Bhuvneshwar must be on their radar to assemble a lethal bowling unit.
I see Bhuvneshwar Kumar going to the Gujarat team: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: “They might save the Right To Match card for Shami, but it can be used on Noor Ahmad or David Miller as well. I feel they will go after Bhuvneshwar Kumar. I see Bhuvneshwar Kumar going to this team. They might go till ₹5 crore to ₹7 crore, and I won't be surprised even if they spend ₹8 crore.”
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Chopra further added, “On this pitch, where Mohammed Shami under lights has been outstanding and they missed him, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has the same skills. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is 34 years old and has three quality years left. So, I think he could be the guy. They have even played Umesh Yadav. They will definitely try to bring Noor Ahmad also with them.”
Gujarat Titans eye wicketkeeper-batter options; Aakash Chopra suggests Phil Salt, KL Rahul and Jos Buttler as top picks
Meanwhile, Chopra also suggested that the Gujarat franchise might focus on a wicketkeeper-batter who can adapt to challenging conditions, especially under lights in Ahmedabad. With Shubman Gill already anchoring the innings with his distinct style, the former Indian batter feels the Titans could explore options like Phil Salt, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, or Jos Buttler at the auction.
Chopra believes the Titans are unlikely to target Ishan Kishan because the young wicketkeeper might not fit their specific needs. But he feels they can go for KL Rahul, given his ability to adjust his game to varying pitch conditions. Chopra also predicted that the franchise might show interest in Rishabh Pant for his dynamic batting, but their purse might not afford him.
