The Gujarat Titans (GT), having made a strong impression since their IPL debut, are one of the teams with a squad depth that speaks volumes of their strategic planning. However, in every IPL season, there are players who, despite being part of the team, don’t get an opportunity to showcase their skills on the field. For IPL 2025, two such players from GT who might not see any game time are Kulwant Khejroliya and Nishant Sandhu. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this prediction.
Kulwant Khejroliya: The Left-Arm Pacer with Potential
Born on March 13, 1992, Kulwant Khejroliya has been around the IPL circuit for several seasons. His left-arm pace has been noted in domestic cricket, particularly with Delhi and briefly with Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Competition for Spots: GT has invested significantly in their pace bowling department for IPL 2025. With acquisitions like Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, and Prasidh Krishna, along with the likes of Gerald Coetzee, Ishant Sharma, and Arshad Khan, Khejroliya finds himself in a crowded field. These players either bring international experience or have had standout performances in recent IPL seasons, making it tough for Khejroliya to break into the playing XI.
Role and Specialization: Khejroliya’s primary role is as a left-arm fast bowler, but GT has other options in this department with potentially more to offer in terms of variations or experience. His IPL record isn’t particularly standout, with only a handful of games played and a modest wicket tally, which doesn’t help his case for selection.
Performance Expectations: Given the investment in other bowlers, GT might look to utilize those who can either bowl in various phases of the game or have shown they can perform under pressure. Khejroliya, while talented, hasn’t yet proven himself in this high-stakes environment consistently.
Nishant Sandhu: The Emerging All-Rounder
Nishant Sandhu, a left-arm spinner who can also contribute with the bat, is relatively new to the IPL scene. His performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, caught GT’s eye, leading to his inclusion in the 2025 squad.
Spinning Options Galore: GT has an abundance of spin bowling options. With Rashid Khan as their marquee spinner, and the likes of R. Sai Kishore, who has been highlighted as one of the main left-arm spinners by the team’s assistant coach Parthiv Patel, alongside Washington Sundar, Sandhu might find it hard to get a game. Additionally, players like Mahipal Lomror and Manav Suthar are also seen as all-rounders with a spin bowling option, further crowding this area.
Developmental Strategy: For a player like Sandhu, who is still in the development phase of his career, GT might opt to keep him as a reserve to learn from seasoned campaigners rather than exposing him to the pressure of IPL matches too soon. This approach could be beneficial for his long-term growth.
Match Situation Dependent: Sandhu’s style of bowling might not be the first choice for GT in most scenarios, especially on the fast-paced, batting-friendly pitches expected in IPL. His inclusion would likely depend on specific match situations, which might not occur frequently enough for him to play.
Team Balance: GT’s strategy seems to be about maintaining a balanced team with both experience and youth. While Khejroliya and Sandhu add depth, the focus on players who can impact games immediately might keep them on the bench.
Injury and Rotation: There’s always the possibility of injuries or the need for rotation, which could see these players getting a chance. However, based on current squad composition, these scenarios seem the only likely ways for them to play.
Learning and Growth: Being part of the squad still offers immense learning opportunities. Both players can benefit from being around and training with world-class cricketers, which could be invaluable for their future.
While it’s never certain who will play until the matches begin, the current squad composition of GT suggests that Kulwant Khejroliya and Nishant Sandhu might be among those who spend IPL 2025 watching from the sidelines. Their talent is undeniable, and their presence in the squad reflects GT’s investment in future potential, but the immediate team needs and the fierce competition for spots could keep them from playing. For these players, the season will be about staying prepared, learning, and possibly making an impact in practice games or if an opportunity arises due to unforeseen circumstances. For GT, it’s about leveraging their depth to ensure they’re ready for any challenge the IPL throws their way.
