Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner, has been one of the most sought-after players in T20 leagues across the globe. From his teenage days at Sunrisers Hyderabad to becoming a key player for Gujarat Titans, Rashid has set the IPL alight with his extraordinary performances. As the 2025 IPL mega-auction approaches, the future of the 26-year-old leggie is a hot topic of discussion, with Gujarat Titans keen to retain him while Mumbai Indians are also interested in securing his services.

Gujarat Titans' Plan to Retain Rashid Khan

Since his debut in the IPL, Rashid Khan has been a match-winner, playing pivotal roles in Gujarat Titans' success over the past few seasons. He was instrumental in Gujarat's maiden IPL title win in 2022, where they defeated Rajasthan Royals in the final. Rashid’s consistent performances have seen him bag 56 wickets in the last three seasons, making him one of the most valuable assets for Gujarat Titans.

Ahead of the 2025 mega-auction, Gujarat Titans are reportedly planning to retain Rashid alongside their skipper, Shubman Gill. The team management views Rashid as a core member of their squad, and letting go of him seems highly unlikely.

Mumbai Indians Eyeing a Blockbuster Signing

On the other side, the five-time IPL champions, Mumbai Indians, are also keen on adding Rashid Khan to their already star-studded lineup. Rashid has been involved with multiple MI-owned franchises globally, including MI Emirates, MI Cape Town, and MI New York, which has strengthened his relationship with the Mumbai Indians’ ownership.

Although Gujarat Titans are expected to retain Rashid, there is speculation that Mumbai Indians could convince the Afghan superstar to enter the 2025 auction, where they would aggressively bid for him. However, bagging Rashid in an auction would be a challenge, as nearly every franchise would be ready to break the bank for a player of his caliber.

Mumbai Indians, known for making big moves, face a significant challenge if they pursue Rashid Khan at the auction. With key players like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma likely to be retained, Mumbai’s purse will be limited. Retaining these top stars alone would require at least INR 75 crore, leaving less room for a high-profile bid on Rashid.