Road to IPL 2026, Gujarat Titans: Strong Core, Power-Packed Line-Up and Title Ambitions

Gujarat Titans are the only IPL franchise to reach the final in each of their first two seasons -- winning in 2022 and finishing runners-up in 2023. After missing the playoffs in 2024, they roared back into the top four in 2025, only to suffer a heartbreaking Eliminator exit. Now, with Shubman Gill maturing as a leader and the experienced ‘Nehra–Hayden’ think tank guiding a settled 25-man squad, GT enter IPL 2026 with a singular focus: reclaiming their aura and hunting title number two.

Here’s what you need to know.

Who leads the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026?

Shubman Gill captains the side, backed by head coach Ashish Nehra. Matthew Hayden joins as batting coach, with Vijay Dahiya as assistant coach and Vikram Solanki as Director of Cricket.

Who are the key retentions in the squad?

GT held onto their strongest assets - Gill, Rashid Khan, Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, and Sai Kishore. The core is as settled as any side in the Indian Premier League this season.

Who did Gujarat Titans sign at the mini-auction?

Reportedly, GT picked up West Indian all-rounder Jason Holder for ₹7 crore and English wicketkeeper-batter Tom Banton for ₹2 crore. England left-arm pacer Luke Wood was acquired for ₹75 lakh. Ashok Sharma (₹90 lakh) and Prithvi Raj Yarra (₹30 lakh) rounded out the pace additions.

What are Gujarat Titans' biggest strengths?

The opening pair of Gill and Sai Sudharsan offers consistent starts, while Jos Buttler at No. 3 adds firepower. The pace unit - Siraj, Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, and Holder - gives Nehra multiple match-winning options.

The Titans boast the league's most clinical top order. In 2025, Gill (650), Sudharsan (759) and Buttler (538) became the first trio from one team to each cross 500 runs in a season. Up front with the ball, Siraj (16 wickets in 2025), Rabada and Holder give Nehra a pace attack capable of defending par totals at Ahmedabad.

Where are the concerns?

Sherfane Rutherford's departure to Mumbai Indians leaves a gap at No. 4. Reportedly, neither Glenn Phillips nor Tom Banton has consistently delivered in that role in the IPL. Over-reliance on Tewatia as finisher remains another grey area.

When do GT play their first matches?

The Gujarat Titans open on March 31 against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh, host Rajasthan Royals on April 4 in Ahmedabad, then face Delhi Capitals on April 8 and Lucknow Super Giants on April 12.

What does the probable XI look like?

Gill (C), Sudharsan, Buttler (WK), Shahrukh Khan, Phillips, Tewatia, Holder, Rashid Khan, Rabada, Siraj, Prasidh Krishna/Sai Kishore. Preparing at the Miraj International Cricket Stadium in Nathdwara under Nehra and Hayden, the Titans are quietly, methodically building their case for title number two.

(With inputs from yMedia)