GT playing XI for IPL 2026: Gill-Sudharsan to open, Holder vs Phillips in focus | Cricket News
Gujarat Titans (GT) enter IPL 2026 with a strategy of continuity, having retained 20 players from the squad that finished third in 2025. The Titans have maintained one of the most stable rosters in the league, focusing on “sharpening the edges” rather than making major overhauls.GT made their IPL debut in 2022 and won their inaugural season. Since then, they have consistently qualified for the playoffs. Last season, they reached the Eliminator, where they lost to Mumbai Indians.Gujarat Titans entered the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a settled squad and Rs 12.9 crore in their purse. They secured five players to complete their 25-member squad: Jason Holder (Rs 7 crore), Tom Banton (Rs 2 crore), Ashok Sharma (Rs 90 lakh), Luke Wood (Rs 75 lakh), and Prithviraj Yarra (Rs 30 lakh).With the new signings and an already strong squad, here’s how GT’s playing XI could look:Shubman Gill (C): The captain had an exceptional season last year, forming a strong opening partnership with Sai Sudharsan. However, he experienced a dip in form in T20Is, which led to his omission from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad. GT will be hoping for his return to form this season.Sai Sudharsan: Sai Sudharsan enjoyed a record-breaking IPL 2025 season, finishing as the highest run-scorer and winning the Orange Cap with 759 runs. At just 23, he became the youngest player to achieve this feat, surpassing Shubman Gill’s record.
Jos Buttler (WK): Jos Buttler was a vital part of GT’s top order in IPL 2025, scoring 538 runs in 14 matches after being bought for Rs 15.75 crore. He is currently going through a lean patch in T20 cricket, which could be a concern for GT, but the team will be backing him to bounce back.Washington Sundar: Washington Sundar proved to be a valuable all-rounder in IPL 2025 after being signed for Rs 3.2 crore. He made a significant impact with the bat, and GT may look to fix his role at No. 4.Rahul Tewatia: Tewatia has established himself as a dependable finisher for GT. In 43 innings, he has scored 591 runs at a strike rate of over 150. He will play an important role in the middle order.Glenn Phillips: Glenn Philips who got injured last year, has regained his fitness ahead of IPL 2026 and played an important role for New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2026, however he can face tough competition form Jason Holder, based on his recent T20 World Cup performance, It will be interesting to see with whom the management decides to go with. Shahrukh Khan: Shahrukh Khan was a regular lower-order finisher for GT in IPL 2025, scoring 179 runs in 15 matches and often making an impact in the final overs.Rashid Khan: Rashid Khan remains GT’s leading spinner and a key wicket-taking option. The team will once again rely on his spin prowess.Kagiso Rabada: In the 2025 IPL season, Kagiso Rabada had a fragmented campaign for Gujarat Titans (GT), marked by an early departure for personal reasons and a subsequent one-month suspension. Despite being a high-profile signing at Rs 10.75 crore, he ultimately featured in only four matches. However, he will to be available for the full season this time.Mohammed Siraj: In the 2025 IPL season, Mohammed Siraj was a standout performer for the Gujarat Titans (GT), leading their pace attack after being acquired for Rs 12.25 crore in the mega auction. He finished the season with 16 wickets in 15 matches. He will play a crucial role alongside Rabada in the pace attack.Sai Kishore: Sai Kishore had an excellent season last year, picking up 19 wickets in 15 matches. He will be key in controlling the middle overs.Impact Player – Prasidh KrishnaPrasidh Krishna made a remarkable comeback in IPL 2025, winning the Purple Cap with 25 wickets in 15 matches. His pace in the powerplay makes him a strong Impact Player option for GT.
