With the IPL 2026 auction approaching fast, the Gujarat Titans (GT) management has taken crucial decisions to reshape their squad after an average 2025 campaign. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, the franchise reached the Eliminator stage but failed to push beyond. For the upcoming season, the team has released several underperforming names and retained a solid core to rebuild momentum.
Let’s break down Gujarat Titans’ IPL 2026 squad strategy, including retained, released players, and potential targets at the auction.
Retained Players for IPL 2026
Gujarat Titans have opted for stability by keeping their key domestic and overseas performers. The retained group includes some of the top names from IPL 2025 and emerging stars who could form GT’s backbone in 2026.
GT Retained Players List
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters & WKs | Shubman Gill (Captain), Jos Buttler (WK), Sherfane Rutherford, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat |
| All-Rounders | Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, Mahipal Lomror, Rahul Tewatia, R Sai Kishore, Arshad Khan, Jayant Yadav, Nishant Sindhu |
| Bowlers | Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Gurnoor Singh Brar |
Key performers like Sai Sudharsan (Orange Cap winner), R Sai Kishore, and Prasidh Krishna are expected to continue leading the charge in their respective departments.
See Also:- IPL Orange Cap Winners List (From 2008 to 2025)
Released Players Before IPL 2026 Auction
To balance their budget and improve squad flexibility, GT released several high-cost and underwhelming performers. Some had fitness concerns, while others didn’t live up to expectations.
GT Released Players List
| Player | Role | Reason for Release |
|---|---|---|
| Gerald Coetzee | Fast Bowler | 2 wickets in 4 matches, economy over 10 |
| Shahrukh Khan | Finisher | 179 runs in 15 games, strike-rate dipped |
| Ishant Sharma | Pacer | 4 wickets, economy 11+ |
| Karim Janat | All-Rounder | Only 1 match, conceded 30+ in one over |
| Kulwant Khejroliya | Bowler | No significant impact |
| Kumar Kushagra | Wicketkeeper | Backup role, minimal game time |
| Manav Suthar | Spinner | No games played in 2025 |
| Glenn Phillips | Batter (Overseas) | Didn’t feature in playing XI |
| Mahipal Lomror | All-Rounder | Released to create space for new finishers |
Squad Strategy for IPL 2026
The franchise is aiming to build around a young Indian core while targeting experienced overseas players in the auction. Improving spin options, strengthening pace depth, and adding a powerful finisher are key focus areas.
Read Also:- Top 10 Most Successful IPL Captains
Key Areas to Improve
This playing XI includes a good balance of youth, experience, and multi-role players—setting the stage for a strong IPL 2026 campaign.
Final Thoughts
The Gujarat Titans have made strategic moves to address their shortcomings from 2025. With a focused retention plan and smart releases, the franchise is well-positioned to make impactful buys in the IPL 2026 auction. If they strike the right balance between youth and experience, GT could once again be a title contender under Shubman Gill’s leadership.
