Dasun Shanaka Back with Gujarat Titans for IPL 2025

Gujarat Titans have made a new move by bringing Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka back for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. Shanaka has been picked as a replacement for Glenn Phillips who was forced to withdraw from the tournament early because of a groin injury. This injury prevented Phillips from playing even a single game this season. Gujarat Titans purchased him for INR 2 Crore base price but unlucky for him, he was not able to perform for the team this year due to the unplanned setback.

Dasun Shanaka has not been alien to the camp of Gujarat Titans. He belonged to the side during the year 2023 and featured in three games. Though his time on the field was restricted that season the franchise evidently recognized potential in his all-rounder abilities. Today in 2025 the Titans have recalled him to boost the team during a critical phase of the tournament. He has been brought into the team for a base price of INR 75 Lakh which might prove to be a good investment in view of his experience and abilities.

The comeback of Shanaka fills both experience and equilibrium to Gujarat Titans. Since he has played already for the franchise he won't take any time getting himself familiar with the team atmosphere. He also delivers a powerful body of T20 skills with over 100 international T20s experience under his cap for Sri Lanka. That amount of expertise proves valuable where the team can require someone trustable in important situations. His middle-order batting and medium-pace bowling provide the Titans with another versatile option in both batting and bowling units.

Although Glenn Phillips was to provide explosive batting to the side his injury resulted in Gujarat Titans having to move quickly and make a shrewd choice. Shanaka may not be a like for like substitute but his all-round cricket provides the team with greater depth. He can bat out innings and even contribute useful overs which makes him a dependable team man. In competitions like the IPL where the balance of a team plays such an important role Shanaka may prove to be an asset for the playing eleven.

The franchise was compelled to do so in a rush to replace the void left behind by Phillips. Injuries come with the game but they have the potential to strike teams seriously particularly when involving foreign players. By selecting Shanaka who already understands the team structure Gujarat Titans have minimized the risk that accompanies bringing in an additional player at this stage in the season. His comeback can be a strategic move both cost-wise and on the contribution side.

The move also shows how IPL franchises bank on veteran international players when it comes to crunch time. Shanaka has captained the Sri Lankan white-ball team and possesses leadership traits too. Such a mindset can be useful in high-stakes matches where decisions have to be made quickly and heads need to remain cool. Even if he doesn't play all matches his presence in the dressing room may be able to influence the rest of the team positively.

It is always fascinating to observe how teams handle such abrupt changes throughout the tournament. Gujarat Titans have demonstrated that they are ready and looking ahead by selecting a player who can make a difference. The IPL is a quick-paced tournament and teams must remain adaptable. Having a player like Shanaka who can adapt to various roles is a huge advantage.

As the season of IPL 2025 progresses everyone will be keeping an eye on how Shanaka fares in his second season with the Titans. The fans will be hoping he gets more opportunities this time and does what he can with both bat and ball. He will also be out to make up for himself following a subdued appearance in 2023. Injury complications that result in teams restructuring every year leave players such as Shanaka an opportunity to give themselves new images at the larger arena.

Ultimately Gujarat Titans' choice to recall Dasun Shanaka indicates their intention to create a solid and balanced team. It will be interesting to observe how this action turns out and if Shanaka will be able to assist the Titans in their quest this season. With his experience and desire to prove himself he might be one of the surprise performers of IPL 2025.