The Gujarat Titans (GT) have made a significant investment in South African pacer Gerald Coetzee, securing his services for INR 2.4 crores at the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, a recent injury setback has raised doubts about his availability for the upcoming season. Coetzee sustained a groin injury during the first Test against Sri Lanka, which has ruled him out of the remainder of the series and the subsequent all-format series against Pakistan. This development has led to concerns in the GT camp, particularly regarding the impact on their bowling attack.
In light of Coetzee’s uncertain participation in IPL 2025, the Gujarat Titans may have to explore alternative options to bolster their pace department. Here, we assess three potential replacements who could step into Coetzee’s shoes and help the franchise maintain its competitive edge in the upcoming season.
1. Daniel Sams: A Versatile All-Rounder
One of the top contenders to replace Gerald Coetzee in the Gujarat Titans squad is Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams. Known for his left-arm fast-medium bowling and ability to hit big shots, Sams brings a wealth of experience from various T20 leagues around the globe, including the Big Bash League (BBL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Key Strengths:
- Bowling Variations: Sams’ left-arm angle adds diversity to the GT pace attack, which already boasts quality pacers like Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada. His ability to bowl in the death overs, combined with his sharp variations, would complement the existing attack.
- Lower-Order Hitting: In addition to his bowling, Sams is a reliable lower-order batter capable of accelerating the scoring in the final overs. This dual skill set would make him an invaluable asset to the GT squad, especially in the fast-paced nature of IPL matches.
Sams’ extensive experience and his adaptability to various playing conditions make him a highly viable candidate to replace Coetzee should the need arise.
2. Alzarri Joseph: A Caribbean Paceman with Pace and Bounce
Another strong candidate to step in for Coetzee is West Indian pacer Alzarri Joseph. Despite being one of the most expensive buys in the previous season, Joseph went unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, his skills and pedigree in T20 cricket make him an excellent replacement for Coetzee, particularly with his ability to generate pace and bounce.
Key Strengths:
- Pace and Bounce: Joseph’s natural pace and his ability to extract bounce from the pitch make him an ideal fit for the Ahmedabad surface, known for offering extra pace to fast bowlers. His bowling style is similar to Coetzee’s, with a focus on short-pitched deliveries that trouble batsmen.
- Previous IPL Experience: Joseph’s previous experience in the IPL, including stints with Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, adds to his value. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, along with his aggressive mindset, would provide GT with the firepower they need in the absence of Coetzee.
With a strong IPL record and the potential to thrive in Ahmedabad’s conditions, Alzarri Joseph is undoubtedly one of the top choices for the Gujarat Titans.
3. Mustafizur Rahman: A Master of Death Bowling
Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman is one of the most experienced bowlers in T20 cricket, renowned for his exceptional slower balls and death over expertise. Although he remains unsold at the IPL 2025 auction, Mustafizur’s past performances in the tournament speak volumes about his potential to impact the game.
Key Strengths:
- Death Over Mastery: Mustafizur’s ability to bowl well in the death overs, where tight bowling is crucial, could be the perfect solution to the GT’s bowling woes. His slower deliveries have often baffled some of the best hitters in the game, making him a reliable option when the pressure is on.
- IPL Experience: Mustafizur has represented several IPL franchises, including Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he played a pivotal role in their title-winning campaign in 2016. With 61 wickets in 57 IPL matches, his experience and proven track record in the league are invaluable assets.
Although Mustafizur may not provide the raw pace of Coetzee, his skill set, particularly in the death overs, would be a significant asset to the Gujarat Titans, especially when they need to restrict opposition teams in the final stages of the game.
Conclusion
In the wake of Gerald Coetzee’s injury, the Gujarat Titans face a critical decision regarding his replacement for IPL 2025. Each of the three candidates — Daniel Sams, Alzarri Joseph, and Mustafizur Rahman — brings unique qualities to the table, from pace and bounce to death over mastery. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the team’s specific needs and the balance they wish to achieve in their squad.
For Gujarat Titans, selecting the right replacement is crucial not just for the immediate future, but for the long-term success of their IPL campaign. Each of these players, with their distinct skill sets, has the potential to fill the void left by Coetzee and help propel the Titans to greater heights in IPL 2025.
