IPL 2025 Auction: Three IPL captains who could be released ahead of 2025 auction

With the mega auction for the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League slated to occur later in the year, it is evident that the franchises will undergo substantial transformations. This development promises a slew of strategic reinforcements as all the participants would aim to enhance their squads with well-considered changes in both team composition and management.

In this context, let us examine three captains who may face non-retention ahead of the 2025 IPL mega auction along with the underlying reasons for their potential exclusion.

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1. Shubman Gill

Since the inception of the Gujarat Titans in 2022, the franchise has seen three captains at the helm. Hardik Pandya led the team through its inaugural season and most of the 2023 edition, steering it to the title in the first year and a runners-up finish in the subsequent edition. His influential role extended beyond captaincy, as he consistently elevated himself in the batting order, showcasing his pivotal contribution with the bat across both seasons.

Rashid Khan assumed leadership of the side during Hardik Pandya's brief absence in a few matches of the 2023 season. However, the limited duration of his captaincy renders the sample size insufficient for a comprehensive assessment, with the Afghan's win rate standing at a mere 50%.

Following a couple of successful seasons, expectations were high for the franchise to deliver another stellar performance. However, despite Shubman Gill having a commendable season with the bat, the departure of Hardik Pandya to the Mumbai Indians left him at the helm of the team. Gill's leadership did not quite meet expectations, as he struggled to inspire his squad on the field, culminating in a disappointing eighth-place finish in 2024.

While it may not be a decisive element, the omission of Gill from the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 could reasonably influence considerations regarding his retention.

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