Published: Apr 18, 2025, 09:00 AM (IST)
Edited: Apr 18, 2025, 09:15 AM (IST)
Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise (Gujarat Titans (GT) have announced that Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka is going to be the player who will replace New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips, who had been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2025 because of an injury.
Shanaka had earlier been part of GT during the 2023 edition of the IPL, and has rejoined the franchise for Rs. 75 lakh. Though his time with the franchise was not great last time- where he played in three matches and scored 26 runs- the 32-year-old brings great experience into a team that has clearly had an inconsistent season so far.
This season is going to be Shanaka’s second time playing in the IPL, with both times being for Gujarat Titans. His previous outing with the team in 2023 was for a limited time. However, he will hope for a better role this time, especially since there is need of experience in GT’s middle order.
Glenn Phillips was taken in by GT for Rs. 2 crore during the mega auction, but did not get any outing in the campaign as he got sidelined due to injury. Apart from his reputation as a powerful striker, he was benched for most of the season as Sherfane Rutherford was picked in the playing XI.
Shanaka steps into the IPL following a great run in franchise and domestic cricket. His most recent outing was for Dubai Capitals in the International League T20 (ILT20). In the 10 innings he played, he scored 164 runs at an average of 27, along with taking 4 wickets.
Following his successful ILT20 campaign, Shanaka also decided to play in Sri Lanka’s domestic red-ball tournament, and even took part in the National Super League 4-day tournament for Dambulla and the Major League tournament for Sinhalese Sports Club.
