The Gujarat Titans (GT) shocked IPL cricket fans in 2022 with a title win in their debut season. GT’s second season ended with an IPL final appearance in 2023, where the franchise succumbed to a narrow defeat against a dogged Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lineup.
GT failed to replicate success they achieved in their first two seasons, and the franchise’s board could seek few changes ahead of IPL 2026. The team has several untouchable players; however, GT may let some big names go before next season’s auction.
Let’s see some of the top players GT may release pre-auction as they target another successful campaign in India’s top-flight cricket league.
1. Sherfane Rutherford
Trade reports claim that Windies power-hitter Sherfane Rutherford will move to the Mumbai Indians (MI) for IPL 2026. This trade notice could signal the end of Rutherford’s IPL career at GT.
2. Dasun Shanaka
Shanaka joined GT as a mid-season replacement but failed to deliver when presented with several opportunities to shine. The cricketer may make way for other options in GT’s shopping wish list. GT could target a seamer with middle-order batting prowess as a reliable backup or bring in a specialist batter for better ball-hitting abilities.
3. Kusal Mendis
Middle-order batsman Kusal Mendis may leave GT before the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The cricketer could not hold down a defined spot throughout last season and may seek game time in another team. Several young batsmen continue to emerge every season, and Mendis’ reduced contribution to GT’s games could be a trigger he needs to leave the 2022 champions.
Mendis delivered limited inputs at few outings he was a part of while showing sparks of brilliance throughout. Several retention previews list Mendis as a possible candidate to leave GT for more recognition in another team.
4. Karim Janat
GT brought in Janat as a backup option, but the star player failed to meet expectations during his solitary appearance last season. Janat was a low-cost gamble and could be among the first players to get a release if GT seek to boost their squad depth significantly.
The franchise may seek dependable all-round alternatives ahead of next season according to reports, and many release predictions list Janat as a possible candidate to leave GT before next season.
5. Gerald Coetzee
GT fans expressed excitement after the arrival of Gerald Coetzee, as the cricketer promised electric pace cricket in previous performances. However, the front-foot pacer did not convince fans with his performances and failed to become a focal point of GT’s attack in 2025.
GT may choose to let the cricketer leave if they consider overseas player limitations and rich seam combinations required for next season. He could be one of the first players to leave if his current franchise decides to seek a balanced pacer with more reliable performances on record.
GT’s bowling department faltered on several occasions last season, and Coetzee may be a major casualty of those costly outings at IPL 2025.
GT Players Likely to Stay at the Franchise for IPL 2026 – Untouchables
1. Shubman Gill
GT captain Shubman Gill was one of the best players at IPL 2025. His international credentials (top-order batter and two-format captain) adds to his unsurprising untouchable status. GT will rely on Gill’s expertise to lead their campaign at IPL 2026.
2. Sai Sudharsan
No cricketer was more prolific with the bat than Sai Sudharsan at IPL 2025. Sudharsan won last season’s Orange Cap and will be raring to go for another season at his current franchise.
3. Washington Sundar
Talented bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar brings his wealth of experience and mature gameplay to GT’s ranks. He is one of few players who looks less likely to leave for another franchise before next season.
4. Rahul Tewatia
Bowling all-rounder Rahul Tewatia is another top choice set to stay at GT next season. His finishing ability with the bat and run restriction as a bowler are major skills GT will consider before handing him another contract next season.
5.Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj is a major Test bowler for India and put in decent performances for GT throughout IPL 2025. He will be one of top options to access retention ahead of next season.
Other players likely to stay at GT next season include:
Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Nishant Sindhu, Mahipal Lomror,
Mohd. Arshad Khan, Sai Kishore, Jayant Yadav, Shahrukh Khan
Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Ishant Sharma,
Kulwant Khejroliya, Rashid Khan
