Gujarat Titans Eye Playoff Spot as Overseas Star Risks Absence

AHMEDABAD, India — The Gujarat Titans (GT) are well-positioned to secure a playoff spot in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, but they may face a significant challenge as their key overseas player could miss upcoming matches. Sherfane Rutherford, a crucial all-rounder for GT, has been named to the West Indies squad for an upcoming tour of England and Ireland.

The Ireland One Day Internationals (ODIs) are scheduled to begin on May 21, just a day after the IPL playoffs kick off on May 20. The Windies will then head to England for three more ODIs from May 29 to June 3, which complicates Rutherford’s availability as the Titans aim for a top-two finish in the league.

Rutherford has been in impressive form this season, scoring 201 runs in seven innings with an average of 40.20 and a strike rate of 155.81. His standout performance included a quick-fire 46 off 28 balls in a recent match against the Punjab Kings.

The Titans, led by Shubman Gill, are currently fourth in the IPL 2025 points table with seven wins out of ten matches, totaling 14 points. A couple more wins could secure them a top-two finish, allowing them extra chances to reach the final.

GT is set to face the Mumbai Indians tonight, May 6, and still has three more matches against Delhi Capitals on May 11, Lucknow Super Giants on May 14, and Chennai Super Kings on May 18.