Gujarat Titans (GT) had a commendable campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, as they made it to the playoffs and were eliminated by Mumbai Indians in the eliminator. The former champions have strengthened their side with some important signings and are expected to make a strong run in IPL 2026.
Gujarat Titans went into the IPL 2026 mini-auction with Rs 12.90 crore. They had most of the bases covered and just needed some fine tuning. His most expensive signature was jason holderWhose services were acquired for Rs 7 crore. He will add immense value not only with his skills with bat and ball but also with his experience as a leader in international cricket as well as franchise leagues around the world.
The Titans management also welcomed English cricketers Tom Banton and Luke Wood into their line-up. Banton is a good backup to the charismatic Jos Buttler. Wood, on the other hand, can be a lethal hitter with the new ball, particularly due to his ability to swing it. He can form a strong new ball pair with Mohammad Siraj.
Rajasthan fast bowler Ashok Sharma is another player to keep an eye on. The right-arm fast bowler was in the news this season after consistently touching 150 kmph during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Strength
Continuity could be the biggest strength for the Titans in the coming season. They will not have to make too many changes in their playing eleven from IPL 2025. Most players will be aware of their roles and those new to the setup will try to get accustomed quickly.
The presence of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudarshan at the top order gives a lot of strength to the team. Although they may not be as flashy a pair as Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, they are far more consistent and contenders for the Orange Cap. With Jos Buttler coming in at No. 3, the Titans have become one of the most reliable top threes in the league.
A potent rushing attack is another strong area for the Titans this upcoming season. Anubhav and Siraj and Holder will face Prasidh Krishna and Ashok Sharma. Kagiso Rabada has not been at his best in T20 cricket in recent years and there is an option to add Holder, who can strengthen the batting. Luke Wood could also be a good option, adding variety to the team with his left-arm angle.
weaknesses
The weakness of Gujarat Titans could once again be the middle order. Last year, Sherfane Rutherford did an excellent job for them while batting at number 4. However, the Caribbean star was surprisingly sold to Mumbai Indians before the mini-auction. Gujarat have the option of trying out Glenn Phillips or Tom Banton at number 4. However, consistency could be an issue for the two flamboyant batsmen.
Rahul Tewatia will have to shoulder a lot of responsibility in the role of finisher. While Rashid Khan can tonk the ball, he blows hot and cold with the bat. If Shahrukh Khan has a strong season then it will be a good sign for Gujarat.
opportunity
IPL 2026 will be an opportunity for Shubman Gill to establish his strength as a T20 batsman. He has performed consistently well in the league in the last few seasons. However, he has not been able to continue that success in the shortest format of international cricket. After being left out of India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, don't be surprised if the Punjab batsman comes out with a more positive intent than last season.
threats
Rashid Khan's form has been a major concern in the last two seasons in the IPL. In the SA20 2025-26, the Afghanistan spinner has taken only six wickets at a modest average of 35.66 in the first eight matches. IPL 2026 could be a litmus test for the Titans vice-captain. In the last season of IPL, his economy rate was a very poor 9.35 and he took only nine wickets in 15 matches.
Gujarat Titans also have a heavy reliance on key players. Others will also have to contribute to this. Sudarshan's rib injury, which ruled him out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, will also worry Titans supporters.
Gujarat Titans team for IPL 2026
Shubman Gill (captain), Sai Sudarshan, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Jos Buttler, Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Arshad Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Rashid Khan, Manav Suthar, Sai Kishore, Jayant Yadav, Glenn Phillips, Jason Holder, Ashok Sharma, Luke Wood, Prithvi Raj. Yarra, Tom Banton.
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