Gujarat Titans (GT) approached IPL 2026 Retentions with a focus on sustaining their championship-winning squad from 2023 while tactically adjusting to maintain competitiveness. Their retention decisions reflect a balance of locking in core performers while allowing flexibility for auction enhancements.
Gujarat Titans’ core retentions to anchor the team
GT retained captain Shubman Gill, all-rounders Rahul Tewatia and Washington Sundar, and key batters like Jos Buttler and Sai Sudharsan. This core group forms the cornerstone of GT’s strategy by combining explosive batting with world-class bowling. The presence of these players ensures continuity from their title-winning blueprint and leadership stability.
GT released a few squad members seen as peripheral to their immediate plans to free purse space for the auction. Notable release of players like Gerald Coetzee created room for acquiring emerging Indian talents, aiming to address specific tactical needs such as middle-order batting depth and pace bowling variety. This reflects a measured approach to keep the squad fresh without dismantling the core strength.
GT’s strategy for IPL 2026 auction
Gujarat Titans head into the IPL 2026 auction with a normal purse and a strategic number of open slots. This auction flexibility allows GT to target a few international players and promising domestic talent to round out their squad, focusing on a balanced and adaptable lineup prepared for diverse IPL conditions.
GT’s retention strategy demonstrates the franchise’s confidence in its foundational players, supported by targeted infusion of talent through the auction. Maintaining a blend of youth and experience, GT aims to remain a formidable contender, with leadership under Shubman Gill inspiring the team.
Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts the most expensive player in the IPL 2026 auction
Gujarat Titans: Retention, Release, Trade and Purse
Players released: Dasun Shanaka, Mahipal Lomror, Karim Janat, Gerald Coetzee, Kulwant Khejroliya, Sherfane Rutherford (traded to MI)
Players retained: Anuj Rawat, Glenn Phillips, Gurnoor Brar, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Jos Buttler, Kagiso Rabada, Kumar Kushagra, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Arshad Khan, Nishant Sindhu, Prasidh Krishna, Sai Kishore, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar
Purse remaining: INR 12.90 cr
Slots remaining: 5 (4 overseas)
