With the IPL 2026 mega auction coming up, the Gujarat Titans have some big decisions to make about which players to keep and which ones to let go before the November 15 deadline. After finishing at the third position in the 2025 season, the franchise is looking to strengthen their squad balance and manage its auction purse wisely.
Gujarat Titans’ Situation Ahead of IPL 2026
Ever since joining the IPL in 2022, Gujarat Titans have been one of the most consistent teams in the league. They won the title in their very first season and were also runners-up in the 2023 season. In 2025, under the guidance of Shubman Gill’s, GT continued their good form and made it to the playoffs.
Each mini-auction brings tough choices for every franchise. The Gujarat Titans are likely to keep their top performers who are crucial to the team’s success and release players who haven’t performed well or who don’t fit in their future plans.
Players Gujarat Titans Are Expected to Keep
16. Mahipal Lomror – A flexible middle-order batter who has performed well in domestic cricket. He adds balance by playing both steady and attacking roles when needed.
15. Anuj Rawat – A young wicketkeeper-batter who can back up Jos Buttler. He’s quick behind the stumps and bats fearlessly when given the chance.
14. Rahul Tewatia – Known as GT’s finisher, his all-round talent makes him very important. He can change games with his powerful hitting and clever bowling.
13. Ishant Sharma – An experienced pacer who adds calmness and leadership. His guidance helps the younger fast bowlers perform better.
12. Manav Suthar – A young spinner who has shown promise in domestic cricket. He brings freshness to the bowling lineup and keeps improving every season.
11. Prasidh Krishna – A tall pacer who adds strength to GT’s pace attack. His bounce and accuracy help in the middle and death overs.
10. Mohammed Siraj – One of India’s leading fast bowlers who gives early breakthroughs. His energy and aggression lift the team’s spirit.
9. Kagiso Rabada – The South African pacer who adds speed and aggression. His ability to take wickets in key moments makes him a match-winner.
8. Shahrukh Khan – A powerful middle-order batter who can finish matches. His big-hitting ability adds strength to GT’s lower order.
7. Sai Kishore – A dependable Indian spinner who adds control and variation. His steady bowling is useful during the middle overs.
6. Arshad Khan – A left-arm fast bowler who is improving quickly. His angle and lower-order batting make him a useful player.
5. Washington Sundar – A calm and reliable all-rounder who can bowl in the powerplay and bat in tough situations. He brings great balance to the side.
4. Rashid Khan – A world-class spinner and proven match-winner. His experience and consistency make him one of GT’s most valuable players.
3. Jos Buttler – The experienced English opener who provides explosive starts. His attacking style and big-match experience make him key for GT.
2. Sai Sudharsan – A young top-order batter who plays with great maturity. His smart shot selection makes him one of India’s most promising talents.
1. Shubman Gill (Captain) – The leader and one of India’s best batters. His calm captaincy and consistent performances make him the heart of the Gujarat Titans.
These players are expected to form the core of the Gujarat Titans’ IPL 2026 squad. The team wants to maintain a good balance of young talent and experienced players.
Also read: IPL Trade History: 20 Biggest Player Transfers in Indian Premier League History
Players Likely to Be Released
9. Jayant Yadav – With multiple spin options already in the squad, the veteran might be let go.
8. Nishant Sindhu – A talented player but yet to prove himself in the league.
7. Kumar Kushagra – The young wicketkeeper could be released to open up a slot for a more experienced backup.
6. Karim Janat – Afghanistan’s all-rounder didn’t get enough chances and may not be retained.
5. Gurnoor Singh Brar – Limited opportunities and competition in the domestic group might see him released.
4. Gerald Coetzee – The South African pacer struggled with rhythm and injuries.
3. Dasun Shanaka – Another Sri Lankan all-rounder who hasn’t lived up to expectations in the IPL.
2. Sherfane Rutherford – Despite his hitting power, he failed to make a strong impact.
1. Kusal Mendis – The Sri Lankan batter couldn’t deliver consistent performances and may be released.
These releases would free up crucial funds in GT’s auction purse, giving them the flexibility to target new domestic and overseas talent.
Key Takeaways
- Strong Core: Keeping players like Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, and Sai Sudharsan helps Gujarat Titans maintain a solid and reliable main group.
- Money Balance: Releasing expensive overseas players such as Dasun Shanaka and Gerald Coetzee gives the team more money to spend on new talent.
- Indian Strength: Retaining all-rounders like Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, and Mahipal Lomror adds depth and balance to the Indian lineup.
- Auction Plans: GT might look for a powerful overseas middle-order batter and a fast bowler who can handle death overs in the upcoming auction.
Conclusion
Gujarat Titans’ possible plan for IPL 2026 shows a smart and balanced approach. They are keeping their main group strong while also thinking about the future. With Shubman Gill leading the team and a mix of young players, experienced stars, and match-winners, GT look ready to fight for the title again.
The final list of retained players will be confirmed once the IPL governing council announces all teams’ choices before the November 15 deadline.
Written by Kinjal Walantra