Gujarat Titans Celebrate Uttarayan and IPL Mini-Auction Success
Uttarayan Festivities by Gujarat Titans
The Gujarat Titans kicked off their International Kite Festival activities with vibrant celebrations during Uttarayan, attracting numerous fans to their engagement zone in Ahmedabad. Attendees enjoyed the sight of custom-designed Gujarat Titans kites soaring above the festival, participated in interactive games, collected GT-branded kites, and took photos at a life-size installation. The festivities will continue until January 14.
Highlights from the IPL Mini-Auction
In a recent IPL mini-auction, Gujarat Titans' head coach Ashish Nehra expressed his contentment with the team's performance. Entering the auction with a budget of Rs 12.9 crore, the Titans had a more subdued experience compared to franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings.
During the auction, GT acquired five players: Ashok Sharma (Rs 90 lakh), Jason Holder (Rs 7 crore), Tom Banton (Rs 2 crore), Prithvi Raj (Rs 30 lakh), and Luke Wood (Rs 75 lakh). Their first selection was Ashok Sharma, a fast bowler recognized as the leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Nehra's Insights on Team Strategy
Reflecting on the auction, Nehra highlighted the team's strategy, noting the retention of 20 players and the addition of four fast bowlers to enhance their pace attack, crucial for the hot April-May season. He stated, "Overall, we are very happy. We retained 20 players. So, it was a small auction. Most importantly, I'm very happy that we got four fast bowlers. In the months of April and May, it's so hot. People look for net bowlers also, and fast bowlers are always short," as shared in a video on the Gujarat Titans' social media.
Nehra also expressed satisfaction with the acquisition of Jason Holder and Tom Banton, emphasizing Holder's leadership qualities and Banton's ability to hit big. He remarked, "So, pretty much, we got what we wanted. And the first half was quiet. But in the second half, we were pretty happy. No doubt about it. We always knew that Jason was going to go for a little bit of money. As Jason, or somebody like Livingstone, he went unsold, and then he got so big. But coming back to Jason Holder, we are really happy with his experience and leadership skills; he is a great addition."
"Tom Banton and even somebody like Jason Holder can also hit big. So, he can also bat. And then Jason, Tom Banton, who has also been around the English team. And we are very happy we could keep a batsman. We already had somebody like Jos Butler or Anuj Rawat. But still, you always need more and more players. And here you are talking about a squad of 25," Nehra concluded.