Gujarat Titans: IPL 2026 Preview — Auction, Squad, Playing XI & Winning Chances
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is more than a cricket tournament — it’s where strategy, star power, and momentum collide. After a strong 2025 season — finishing third in the league stage and qualifying for the playoffs — the Gujarat Titans (GT) are poised for another title challenge in IPL 2026.
IPL 2026 Auction & Team Strategy
In the December 2025 mini-auction, Gujarat Titans adopted a measured and strategic approach, choosing to retain a large core and only strengthening specific areas rather than splurging on marquee names.
Retained Core (20 Players)
GT entered the auction with one of the largest retained lists. Key players kept by the franchise include:
Shubman Gill (Captain) — Top Indian batting star
Sai Sudharsan — Orange Cap winner in 2025
Jos Buttler (WK) — Explosive overseas batter
Rashid Khan — World-class spinner
Mohammed Siraj & Prasidh Krishna — Strike bowling duo
Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Sai Kishore — All-round depth
plus domestic talents like Anuj Rawat, Nishant Sindhu, Arshad Khan and others.
Auction Buys
Rather than chasing big names, GT focused on balance and depth:
These signings give GT more bowling depth, finishing firepower, and alternatives in big moments — though there are still debates about whether they solved the middle-order issue that plagued them in 2025.
Probable Playing XI for IPL 2026
While actual selections depend on form and conditions, most analysts predict a strong XI like the one below:
- Shubman Gill (c) — Captain & run machine
- Sai Sudharsan — Formidable opener
- Jos Buttler (WK) — Power hitter and keeper
- Washington Sundar — Spin all-rounder
- Glenn Phillips — Big-hitting all-rounder
- Rahul Tewatia / Jason Holder — Finisher options
- Rashid Khan — Key spin threat
- Sai Kishore — Left-arm spin variety
- Kagiso Rabada — Express pace
- Mohammed Siraj — Strike bowling
- Prasidh Krishna — Death bowling specialist
Impact-player and bench depth could see Tom Banton, Ashok Sharma, or Luke Wood in the XI depending on matchups.
Auction Performance & Squad Rating
Cricket analysts have given Gujarat Titans a solid but not spectacular rating after the auction:
Balanced squad but limited extravagance — GT avoided overspending.
Strengths: Top Indian batsmen, quality spinners, strong pacers.
Concerns: Middle-order solidity and finishing depth still open questions.
Some evaluations even suggest that despite strengthening the unit, GT might still have a middle-order gap that could be exploited by opponents.
Winning Probability: Can GT Take the Trophy in 2026?
Predicting exact probabilities for a league as dynamic as the IPL is tricky, but based on:
Consistent top-order talent
Retained key performers from a strong 2025 campaign
Smart buys for depth and experience
Bowling attack with pace and spin balance
Gujarat Titans are widely viewed as top-tier contenders — likely to finish in the Playoff spots and be in the title conversation. Analysts typically rank them within the top four teams post-auction in terms of strength and balance.
However, whether that translates into lifting the IPL 2026 trophy depends on factors like injuries, form surges, clutch performances, and mid-season strategy — the unpredictable elements that make T20 cricket thrilling.
Conclusion
The Gujarat Titans’ 2026 IPL journey is set to be a fascinating mix of momentum and strategic execution. With a strong core of retained stars and shrewd auction buys, they’re not just participating — they’re serious challengers. While questions remain around the middle order and finishing firepower, their overall balance and experienced leadership give them a legitimate shot at IPL glory.
GT fans have plenty to be excited about — and the 2026 IPL promises another roller-coaster season!
