Gujarat Titans (GT) enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, reaching their third final despite eventually losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Shubman Gill and company performed well throughout the season, but their campaign also exposed a few areas that need attention before the next edition.
The middle order remains one of the major concerns for the franchise, with GT needing more consistency and firepower in the batting department. The upcoming mini-auction will give the management an opportunity to address these gaps and bring in players who can offer greater value to the team.
To make room for fresh additions, Gujarat could consider parting ways with a few existing members of their squad. Here are three players GT could potentially release ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction.
3 players GT can release ahead of IPL 2027 mini-auction
1. Shahrukh Khan (₹4 Crore)
Reason: Inconsistent performances and limited impact in the middle order
Shahrukh Khan could be one of the first players Gujarat Titans consider releasing ahead of the next season. The franchise retained the Tamil Nadu batter before IPL 2026, hoping that his power-hitting ability would strengthen their middle order. However, he failed to make a consistent impact and soon lost his place in the team’s preferred playing XI.
GT have shown considerable faith in Shahrukh over the last few seasons, but his performances have not always justified that investment. His inconsistency has also been a concern beyond the IPL, with his domestic returns failing to make a strong case for a regular place in the side. At this stage, Gujarat could look for a younger batter who offers more consistency and a better long-term option.
Possible strategy: Free up funds for a more reliable middle-order batter
Releasing Shahrukh would free up ₹4 crore that Gujarat could use to strengthen their middle order at the mini-auction. The franchise could target an Indian batter who can handle pressure situations and provide greater stability between the top order and finishers. It would also give the management an opportunity to invest in a younger player with the potential to develop into a regular member of the playing XI.
2. Jayant Yadav
Reason: Limited role and lack of requirement in the current combination
Jayant Yadav could also be among the players GT consider releasing ahead of IPL 2027. The experienced all-rounder has struggled to establish himself as an important part of the team’s playing combination, with limited contributions in both departments. Although he offers experience and can be useful on spin-friendly surfaces, his overall value to the current squad appears limited.
Gujarat already have Washington Sundar as a spin-bowling all-rounder who can provide control in the middle overs. This reduces the need to carry another similar option, particularly when the franchise has other areas that require attention. GT could instead use the available squad position to invest in a younger player who has more room to develop and contribute over several seasons.
Possible strategy: Invest in a young domestic all-rounder
Parting ways with Jayant would allow Gujarat to explore younger domestic all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball. The franchise could look for a player with stronger batting potential or someone who offers a different bowling option to complement Sundar. Such an addition could provide greater flexibility to the team while also helping GT build a squad for the long term.
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3. Ishant Sharma
Reason: Ageing pace option and competition within the bowling attack
Ishant Sharma could be another candidate for release as Gujarat look to refresh their pace-bowling department. The 37-year-old has chipped in with useful contributions on a few occasions, but his best years are arguably behind him. With the franchise looking to build a bowling attack capable of competing consistently across different conditions, retaining an ageing pace option may not be their preferred approach.
GT already have an exciting group of fast bowlers, while head coach Ashish Nehra brings considerable experience and knowledge of the pace-bowling department. Ishant’s role could therefore become increasingly limited, particularly if the younger options continue to develop. The franchise might prefer to give another emerging pacer an opportunity rather than continue with a veteran who has limited scope for a long-term role.
Possible strategy: Create room for a younger fast bowler
Releasing Ishant would give Gujarat an opportunity to add another young Indian pacer to their squad at the mini-auction. The management could target a bowler with good pace, control and the ability to contribute in different phases of a T20 innings. With Nehra available to guide the younger fast bowlers, GT could focus on developing a new pace option who can become a regular part of their attack in the coming seasons.
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