The Gujarat Titans (GT) had a fairly strong showing in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). Throughout much of the league stage, they appeared set to finish in the top two and secure a spot in Qualifier 1. While that didn’t materialize, with the Titans exiting in the Eliminator, the season still showed promise for the 2022 champions.
Looking ahead to the IPL 2026 auction, GT will aim to strengthen certain areas of their squad. Although they have many key positions well-covered, the team is not yet a fully balanced T20 unit. Additionally, a few overseas players and senior cricketers seem somewhat out of place in the squad for various reasons.
GT’s squad for IPL 2025 (including replacements): Shubman Gill, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Sherfane Rutherford, Jos Buttler, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, M Shahrukh Khan, Mahipal Lomror, Nishant Sindhu, Arshad Khan, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Jayant Yadav, Manav Suthar, Sai Kishore,Gerald Coetzee, Gurnoor Brar, Ishant Sharma, Kulwant Khejroliya, Glenn Phillips, Karim Janat, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Mendis (temp).
Here are three GT players who should be released before the IPL 2026 auction:
#1 Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma appears to be approaching the twilight of his top-level career. While he has had occasional good spells in the IPL, his 2025 campaign was underwhelming, claiming just four wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 11.18.
The Gujarat Titans are likely to look for a younger fast bowler with greater potential to fill Ishant’s spot. Though Ashish Nehra values experience, the 36-year-old has not taken more than 10 wickets in any IPL season since 2019, and his economy rate has remained a concern.
#2 Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada, one of GT’s highest-paid players, was acquired for ₹10.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. However, he played only four matches that season, taking two wickets at an economy rate of 11.57. His participation was disrupted by a reported drug-related issue, which required him to step away from the squad temporarily.
While Rabada’s skill set suits Ahmedabad’s conditions, it’s clear why GT invested heavily in him. His T20 performance has not improved, he struggles in crucial overs, and consumes a large portion of the team’s budget. With other options available, the Titans may consider releasing Rabada and, if needed, re-signing him later at a lower price.
#3 Karim Janat
Karim Janat’s place in an IPL team is difficult to justify. While the Afghan all-rounder has made progress and can perform with both bat and ball, he does not provide enough assurance to claim one of GT’s eight overseas spots. During IPL 2025, Janat appeared in just one match and was expensive in the only over he bowled.
With little impact in either discipline, his value to the squad is limited. Letting him go seems the obvious decision, although finding a high-quality pace-bowling all-rounder for IPL 2026 could be costly.
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