Dasun Shanaka set for return to Gujarat Titans as damage substitute

Former Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka is all set to return to the IPL after a one-year absence. The all-rounder is all set to join Gujarat Titans for a second stint after his brief appearance in 2023. With Glenn Phillips ruled out of IPL 2025, GT need a replacement soon. They are already missing Kagiso Rabada, who has flown back home due to a personal reason. Hence, as a backup, GT are expected to announce Shanaka as a replacement player.

Shanaka, who joined as a replacement for Kane Williamson, played three matches for GT in IPL 2023. But he failed to impress, scoring 26 runs. He went unsold at the IPL 2025 Auction.

However, he has vast experience playing in leagues across countries, and that could help GT. But it may come as a surprise as Dasun Shanaka has been with Delhi Capitals team since IPL 2025 began. He was part of DC’s preparatory camp.

Dasun Shanaka in T20 Leagues

Shanaka was relieved from Sri Lanka white-ball captaincy after a failed bid in the World Cup 2023. He hasn’t been part of the Sri Lanka squad since July 2024 either. However, he has been regular in T20 leagues with decent batting in the middle-order. He has also picked 38 wickets across those leagues.

In international cricket, Shanaka has scored 2895 runs across formats and bagged 73 wickets.