Dasun Shanaka Roped In As Glenn Phillips’ Replacement By Gujarat Titans For Remainder Of IPL 2025

Gujarat Titans Announce Dasun Shanaka as Replacement

Gujarat Titans (GT) have officially announced the signing of Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as a replacement for injured New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The announcement came on Thursday through an official media statement issued by the league.

“Gujarat Titans (GT) have picked Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka as a replacement for the injured Glenn Phillips for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025,” the statement confirmed. This strategic replacement comes after Phillips was forced to return to New Zealand following a groin injury he sustained during GT’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 6.

Glenn Phillips’ Unfortunate Injury

The incident that led to Phillips’ early departure from the tournament occurred during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The injury happened during Prasidh Krishna’s over when Ishan Kishan pushed a short ball to the point region for a single. Phillips, known for his exceptional fielding abilities, gave it his all in an attempt to stop the run.

Despite Phillips’ diving effort, the batsmen successfully completed the run. However, the New Zealander’s commitment to saving that single run came at a heavy cost as he suffered a groin injury in the process. The severity of the situation became apparent when Phillips had to be taken off the field by the medical team just minutes after the incident.

Medical assessments conducted post-match confirmed the seriousness of Phillips’ injury, leaving Gujarat Titans no choice but to seek a replacement for the remainder of the tournament. This unfortunate turn of events cut short what could have been an impactful debut season for Phillips with the Gujarat franchise.

Glenn Phillips: The Player GT Will Miss

Glenn Phillips joined Gujarat Titans for INR 2 crore in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, bringing with him a reputation as one of the best fielders in international cricket. Although he is yet to make a significant impact with the bat for GT in IPL 2025, the franchise had specifically acquired his services for his multi-dimensional skills.

Phillips’ fielding prowess was particularly on display during the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he was recognized as the tournament’s best fielder. His athleticism and commitment in the field were briefly showcased during the SRH match before his unfortunate injury.

Dasun Shanaka: Comprehensive Player Profile

Dasun Shanaka, who will now fill the void left by Phillips, brings considerable all-round experience to the Gujarat Titans setup. The 32-year-old Sri Lankan has established himself as a valuable T20 cricketer, known for his explosive batting, useful medium-pace bowling, and leadership qualities.

In his T20 International career, Shanaka has amassed 1,456 runs in 102 matches at an average of 19.67. While this average might seem modest, it’s his strike rate and ability to finish innings that make him valuable in the shortest format. He has registered five half-centuries in T20Is and has also contributed with the ball, claiming 33 wickets in his international T20 career.

Shanaka’s Previous Experience with Gujarat Titans

This won’t be Shanaka’s first experience with the Gujarat Titans. He was previously part of the franchise during the 2023 IPL season, though his impact was limited. During that stint, Shanaka appeared in just 3 matches and scored only 10 runs. The limited opportunities he received didn’t allow him to showcase his full potential.

The Sri Lankan now returns to familiar surroundings at Gujarat Titans, albeit for a significantly lower price than his predecessor. While Phillips was acquired for INR 2 crore, Shanaka joins for INR 75 Lakh – reflecting both the mid-season nature of the replacement and perhaps the different market valuations of the two players.

This second opportunity with GT presents Shanaka with a chance to make a more significant impact and potentially secure a longer-term future with the franchise, especially if he can deliver performances that match his capabilities in the remaining matches of IPL 2025.

Shanaka’s International Cricket Career

Beyond his T20I numbers, Dasun Shanaka has represented Sri Lanka across all formats of international cricket. In the 50-over format, he has played 71 ODIs, scoring 1,299 runs at an average of 22.39, with two centuries and four half-centuries highlighting his ability to produce impactful innings. As a bowler in ODIs, he has claimed 27 wickets at an average of 37.00.

In the Test arena, Shanaka has made 6 appearances for Sri Lanka, scoring 140 runs at an average of 14.00 with one half-century to his name. With the ball, he has picked up 13 wickets in Test cricket at an average of 33.15, with his best bowling figures being 3/46.

Shanaka’s Impressive T20 League Career

Dasun Shanaka has established himself as a respected performer in T20 leagues around the world. Across his T20 career, he has accumulated an impressive 4,449 runs in 243 matches (222 innings) at a solid average of 26.17. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate is evidenced by his three centuries and 16 half-centuries in the format.

As a bowler in T20 cricket, Shanaka has claimed 91 wickets at an average of 25.29, with best figures of 4/16. These numbers highlight his effectiveness as a genuine all-rounder in the shortest format, capable of making significant contributions with both bat and ball.

His experience across various T20 leagues globally has exposed him to different playing conditions and situations, making him a versatile player who can adapt to various roles depending on team requirements – a quality that should serve Gujarat Titans well in the remainder of IPL 2025.

What Shanaka Brings to Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025

While Glenn Phillips’ injury is undoubtedly a setback for Gujarat Titans, the acquisition of Dasun Shanaka could potentially offer the team different strategic options. Shanaka’s power-hitting abilities in the middle to lower order could provide GT with finishing firepower, while his medium-pace bowling adds depth to their attack.

The Sri Lankan’s experience as an international captain also brings leadership qualities to the dressing room, which could be valuable in pressure situations. Additionally, his familiarity with the franchise from his previous stint in 2023, albeit brief, means he should require minimal time to acclimatize to the team environment.