Explained: Why Jose Butler is not playing for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, Eliminator vs Mumbai Indians | Cricket news
The Gujarat Titans will take the ground in the IPL 2025 eliminator without one of their most reliable stars – Jose Butler, who has returned to England for international duty. Butler’s absence, though expected, comes as a major setback. He was central for Gujarat’s top-order dominance this season, which created a malignant trio with Shubman Gill and Sai Reformson. In major matches, his ability to accelerate the middle overs and eliminate the games gave GT very essential stability and aggression. With the introduction of England’s summer fixtures in early June, Butler is back to join the National Camp, a development that was preparing for GT. In his place, the Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-botter Kusal Mendis has been brought into the Shee. Mendis, although to present prominently this season, brings international experiences and strokeplays that can serve Gujarat well on an unfamiliar surface in Mulanpur.
GT’s warm-up sessions reflected this change-Nuz Rawat kept the bowlers, while Kumar Kushagra was also standing behind Rawat, stood behind Rawat, suggested a change in roles. Reporters on the ground said that Kusal Mendis was not seen during the warm-up, but is confirmed in the squad as Butler’s replacement.Quiz: Who is that IPL player? GT will expect that Mendis can basically slot, although in high -pressure knockout game, Butler’s caliber player is not an easy task. Along with the absence of Cagiso Rabada, the depth of Gujarat will be tested, which has also left for South Africa duty. Everyone’s eyes will now be on how Shubman Gill’s people are suited to these changes against a revival Mumbai Indians unit.
