The Gujarat Titans (GT) have brought back Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka to replace New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips, who is out for the rest of IPL 2025 due to an injury. Shanaka, who played for GT in IPL 2023, has rejoined the team for Rs 75 lakh. His first run with GT wasn’t particularly impressive, as he played just three matches, scoring 26 runs without getting a chance to bowl. Still, the 32-year-old has international experience and has shown good form lately, which could help the Titans, who have struggled at times this season.
This will be Shanaka’s second time with the IPL, and he’s hoping for more action this season under new captain Shubman Gill. The team needs more experience and balance in the middle order. Meanwhile, Glenn Phillips, who was bought for Rs 2 crore during the auction, didn’t play a single game this season before his injury. Despite being known for his powerful batting and potential bowling skills, he sat on the bench while Sherfane Rutherford got the nod for the playing XI. Phillips did manage to be a substitute fielder in the earlier matches.
Shanaka comes into the IPL on a high note, having recently played for the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, helping them win the title. In 10 innings, he scored 164 runs, averaging 27, and took four wickets. His contributions were key to the Capitals and showed he can perform well in T20 games. After his stint in the ILT20, Shanaka also participated in Sri Lanka’s domestic red-ball tournaments, playing for Dambulla in the National Super League and for Sinhalese Sports Club in the Major League Tournament.
