Gujarat Titans’ Promising Season Ends in Disappointment Amid Batting Void and Fielding Lapses

The Gujarat Titans' 2025 IPL campaign, once brimming with promise, came crashing down in the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians, as familiar concerns around an undercooked middle order, out-of-form bowlers, and costly fielding errors came back to haunt them.

Despite strong contributions throughout the season from their top three — B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, and Jos Buttler — the Titans were unable to plug the gaps in their middle order. Their over-reliance on the top order proved fatal when it mattered most. Chasing 229, GT fell short by 20 runs as the lower middle-order failed to deliver.

A Void in the Middle Order

The Titans’ struggles beyond the top three were well-known throughout the season. Rahul Tewatia and Sherfane Rutherford, both seen as late-innings enforcers, failed to consistently deliver under pressure. Former Australian coach Tom Moody described it as a "void" in the batting lineup — a role once expertly filled by David Miller during GT’s title-winning 2022 campaign.

“David Miller used to come in with six-seven overs to go, get set, and finish games. This year, Rutherford and Tewatia haven’t been able to do that consistently,” said Varun Aaron on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out. Miller had scored 481 runs at an average of 68.71 and a strike rate of 142.72 in 2022, anchoring the middle order. In contrast, Rutherford and Tewatia managed quick cameos but lacked impact when the top order failed.

On Friday, Rutherford entered with 6.2 overs remaining, Tewatia with 4.2 — prime time to push GT towards a dramatic finish. But they managed just five boundaries and one six between them, unable to generate the momentum needed. Tewatia’s campaign was particularly underwhelming — scoring only 99 runs from 59 balls across 12 innings.

M Shahrukh Khan, another middle-order option, also had a quiet season, facing only 100 balls in 11 innings with a solitary meaningful knock.

Washington Sundar Offers a Glimmer

One bright spot was Washington Sundar, who was brought in as a replacement for a fourth seamer. Batting at No. 4, he smashed 48 off 24 balls, giving GT brief hope. Moody acknowledged his contribution but emphasized the need for a reliable Indian batter in the top or middle order.

“They are missing a quality Indian top-order or middle-order player. If they can find that, it will make a big difference to the balance of their side,” Moody said.

Bowling and Fielding Collapse

GT’s bowling — a former strength — declined drastically after the IPL’s mid-season break. In the three matches before the Eliminator, they conceded a combined 664 runs, losing two of those games. That trend continued against MI, who piled on 228 runs, aided by some shoddy fielding.

The Titans dropped three key catches, two of which gave Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma a second life. Gerald Coetzee spilled one in the second over off Prasidh Krishna, and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis dropped another off Mohammed Siraj the very next over. Mendis also dropped Suryakumar Yadav later, as MI capitalized on the reprieves.

“After Rohit got those couple of lives, it just woke the dragon in him,” said Aaron. “He thought, ‘You know what, I’m going hell for leather.’”

Moody echoed that sentiment, noting how the missed chances lifted the pressure off Rohit’s shoulders: “It unlocks freedom. Even the most experienced players like Rohit carry some doubt. But once you get a lifeline, you start believing it’s your day.”

A Promising Season Unravels

The Titans had shown flashes of brilliance this season, but recurring issues — ineffective death bowling, lack of middle-order reliability, and untimely fielding errors — caught up with them. A campaign that began with promise ended in disappointment, offering a clear roadmap for improvement in 2026.

For GT, the challenge ahead lies in rebuilding a more balanced squad, finding consistent Indian batting talent, and regaining their lost sharpness in the field. Until then, the shadow of the void will loom large.