Gujarat Titans - IPL 2026 Squad Analysis

Gujarat Titans enter IPL 2026 as one of the most balanced squads in the tournament, built around their retained core of captain Shubman Gill at ₹16.5 Cr and spin wizard Rashid Khan at ₹18 Cr - the highest-paid Afghan player in IPL history. The 2022 champions have invested heavily in pace bowling depth, with Mohammad Siraj at ₹12.25 Cr and Kagiso Rabada at ₹10.75 Cr forming one of the most formidable pace attacks in the league.

The headline acquisition from the mini-auction is Jason Holder at ₹7 Cr, who fills the fast-bowling all-rounder void left by Hardik Pandya's exit. As noted in recent reports, "Holder brings much-needed fast-bowling all-round option, an area GT lacked after Hardik Pandya's exit."

The batting lineup is anchored by two elite performers - Sai Sudharsan at ₹8.5 Cr, who was the leading run-scorer in IPL 2025 with 759 runs and owns the #1 career batting average (49.81), and Jos Buttler at ₹15.75 Cr, the highest-paid English player in IPL and #2 century-maker in the tournament's history.

GT has also invested in youth with Ashok Sharma at ₹0.3 Cr - the leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 20 wickets at 140+ kmph pace.

Strategic Direction: GT has prioritized continuity by retaining 20 players, making only targeted additions to address specific weaknesses. Under coach Ashish Nehra, the team enters as "a more complete and tactically revamped unit" compared to 2025.

One-line assessment: A championship-caliber squad with elite top-order batting, the best spin depth in the league, and proven pace options, though death bowling and overseas slot management remain areas to monitor.

Full Roster (25 Players)

Squad Balance

Investment Hierarchy

The top 6 investments represent ₹82.75 Cr - nearly 65% of a typical team's budget - indicating GT's philosophy of building around proven match-winners.

Home Ground: Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad)

Narendra Modi Stadium is the world's largest cricket stadium with 132,000 capacity. The surface typically offers assistance to pace bowlers early, then becomes excellent for batting as the match progresses. Team aggregates show 19 runs per match average and 9.24 bowling economy - indicating a balanced venue that rewards good cricket.

Batting Performance at Narendra Modi Stadium

Strength The Gill-Sudharsan opening combination has scored 2,125 runs at home with averages above 52 and strike rates above 157. This is the most prolific opening pair at any home venue in IPL 2026.

Bowling Performance at Narendra Modi Stadium

Concern Mohammad Siraj's 44.80 average and 9.96 economy at home is concerning for a ₹12.25 Cr investment. Consider rotating him with Ishant Sharma (7.65 economy) for home games. Strength Prasidh Krishna's 20 wickets at 16.85 average and 7.93 economy at home makes him the undisputed first-choice pacer for home fixtures.

Home XI Recommendation

• Shubman Gill - Opener (C)
• Sai Sudharsan - Opener
• Jos Buttler - Top Order (WK)
• Shahrukh Khan - Power Hitter
• Glenn Phillips - Middle Order
• Washington Sundar - All-rounder
• Rahul Tewatia - Finisher
• Rashid Khan - Lead Spinner
• Prasidh Krishna - Lead Pacer
• Kagiso Rabada - Pace Support
• Sai Kishore - Spin Support

Overseas: Buttler, Phillips, Rashid, Rabada (4/4 slots)

Strong Grounds

Why GT excels at Hyderabad: The 6.81 bowling economy is GT's best at any major venue. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Siraj both have exceptional records at spin-friendly surfaces like RGI Stadium.

Weak Grounds

Warning GT bowlers average 10.60 economy at Jaipur - their worst among major venues. Against RR at home, consider batting first and setting a total rather than chasing.

Favorable Matchups

vs Punjab Kings (Best Overall Matchup)

Strength Rashid Khan's 25 wickets at 16.20 average against PBKS is his best record against any opponent. His 6.33 economy means he concedes roughly one boundary per over less than average.

vs Rajasthan Royals (Bowling Dominance)

The pace-spin combination of Rabada and Rashid has 33 wickets against RR at combined 19.94 average.

vs Delhi Capitals (Batting Dominance)

Strength Sai Sudharsan's 94.33 average against DC is exceptional - nearly double his career average of 49.81. He must open against DC regardless of form.

Challenging Matchups

vs Chennai Super Kings

Concern Mohammad Siraj's 121.33 average against CSK in 12 matches is alarming. For CSK fixtures, consider replacing Siraj with Jason Holder or Ashok Sharma.

vs Kolkata Knight Riders

The KKR matchup is challenging because Rabada's 9.47 economy is his worst against any opponent. Tactical implication: Use Rashid and Washington Sundar more heavily against KKR.

Specialist XIs

PBKS Specialist XI

• Shubman Gill - Opener (C) - 554 @ 61.56 vs PBKS
• Sai Sudharsan - Opener - 257 @ 51.40 vs PBKS
• Jos Buttler - Top Order (WK) - 489 @ 37.62 vs PBKS
• Shahrukh Khan - Power Hitter
• Rahul Tewatia - Finisher - 200 @ 25 vs PBKS
• Washington Sundar - All-rounder
• Jason Holder - Pace All-rounder
• Rashid Khan - Lead Spinner - 25 wkts @ 16.20!
• Kagiso Rabada - Pace - 13 wkts @ 19.08
• Prasidh Krishna - Death
• Sai Kishore - 7 wkts @ 9.00 vs PBKS

Overseas: Buttler, Holder, Rashid, Rabada (4/4 slots)

LBW Specialists

Strength Rashid Khan's 22.8% LBW rate is #1 in IPL history (lbw). This means nearly 1 in 4 of his dismissals come from trapping batters in front. Deploy Rashid against batters who don't use their feet well against spin - his wrong'un and googly are lethal when batters are stuck on the crease.

Caught Behind Specialists

Ishant Sharma's 21.9% caught behind rate ranks #5 in IPL (caught behind). His tall frame and ability to extract bounce creates edges that other bowlers can't. Use Ishant in overcast conditions or early in the innings when the ball is moving.

Stumping Enablers

Strength Rahul Tewatia's 18.8% stumping rate is #1 in IPL history (stumped). His loopy leg spin consistently draws batters out of their crease. With Buttler's sharp glovework, the Tewatia-Buttler combination should yield extra dismissals on turning tracks.

Bowled Resistance (Batting)

Sai Sudharsan's #2 ranking in bowled resistance confirms his excellent technique - he rarely misses straight balls. This makes him ideal against pace bowlers who rely on hitting the stumps.

1. Openers

Candidates

Analysis

Shubman Gill is the franchise cornerstone with 3,866 career runs, 4 centuries (#4 among openers), and 25 fifties (#3 among openers). His 2025 form was exceptional: 650 runs at 50.00 average and 155.88 strike rate - a significant improvement from his career strike rate of 138.72. Sai Sudharsan was the leading run-scorer in IPL 2025 with 759 runs - 42 more than anyone else. His 49.81 career average ranks #1 in IPL history (batting average), and his consistency rating of 72.67 ranks #2 (consistency rating). Strength Sudharsan has ZERO ducks in his entire IPL career (40 innings). His bowled resistance of 5.7% (#2) shows exceptional technique.

Recommendation

Primary: Shubman Gill + Sai Sudharsan - GT's established, championship-winning combination

Backup: Jos Buttler can open if needed (7 opening centuries); Tom Banton as like-for-like Buttler cover

Tactical note: At home (Ahmedabad), maintain Gill-Sudharsan opening. Against RCB specifically, consider Buttler opening given his 585 runs at 53.18 average.

2. Top Order (No. 3-4)

Candidates

Analysis

Jos Buttler should bat at No. 3 to maximize impact. His 2025 form was outstanding: 538 runs at 59.78 average (#3 in IPL) and 163.03 strike rate, with 5 fifties including a 97. His match-winner score of 18.4 ranks #5 in 2025 (match winners). Shahrukh Khan had a breakout 2025: 179 runs at 29.83 average and ELITE 179.00 strike rate (#1 in GT squad, #4 in top-order SR leaderboard). His bowling also contributed: 1 wicket at 13.00 average, 6.00 strike rate (#2 in bowling strike rate 2025).

Recommendation

Primary No. 3: Jos Buttler - proven match-winner, explosive power Primary No. 4: Shahrukh Khan - 179.00 SR in 2025, power-hitting

Backup: Glenn Phillips provides overseas middle-order option

3. Middle Order (No. 5-7)

Candidates

Analysis

Washington Sundar transformed in 2025 with 166.25 strike rate - 40 points above his career rate. His 40 high score ranks #4 among lower-order batters (lower order highScore). He also gets 64.1% of his wickets against top-order batters (#3 from highest-percentage-vs-top-order-career leaderboard). Rahul Tewatia remains the ultimate finisher despite modest 2025 numbers. His 167.80 strike rate in 2025 shows intent, and his 18.8% stumping rate (#1 in IPL) adds bowling value. Rashid Khan scored 382 runs in 2025 (#2 among lower-order batters), including a career-best 79*. His lower-order fifties rank #3 in 2025.

Recommendation

No. 5: Washington Sundar - batting improvement, top-order wicket specialist No. 6: Rahul Tewatia - finisher, stumping specialist No. 7: Rashid Khan - can bat, primary bowling role Impact Option: Jason Holder when batting depth is needed

4. Powerplay Bowling (Overs 1-6)

Candidates

Analysis

Mohammad Siraj has 109 career wickets with a best of 4/17. Against SRH, he's exceptional: 15 wickets at 21.13 average and 7.04 economy - his best opponent matchup. Warning Siraj's 2025 economy of 9.25 is above his career rate of 8.74. More concerning, his home economy (9.96) is significantly worse than away. Prasidh Krishna was the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2025 with 25 wickets, and ranks #1 in wicket-to-maiden ratio (25.00 from wicket-to-maiden-ratio-2025 leaderboard).

Recommendation

Primary: Mohammad Siraj + Kagiso Rabada (when fit)

Rotation: Prasidh Krishna for powerplay when Siraj struggles Swing option: Ishant Sharma (21.9% caught behind) in overcast conditions

5. Middle Overs Bowling (Overs 7-15)

Candidates

Analysis

Rashid Khan is the undisputed middle-overs king. His 7.09 career economy ranks #2 in GT squad (team economy career gt), and his 22.8% LBW rate is #1 in IPL history. In 2025, he took 9 wickets at 9.35 economy - higher than usual but still effective. Strength Rashid has 86 wickets against MI, DC, PBKS, and RR combined at 19.84 average and 6.21 economy. He's the ultimate middle-overs weapon against these opponents. Sai Kishore gets 53.1% of his wickets against middle-order batters (#4 from highest-percentage-vs-middle-order-career leaderboard). Against PBKS specifically, his 7 wickets at 9.00 average is exceptional.

Recommendation

Primary: Rashid Khan - 4 overs mandatory, preferably overs 7-10 and 14

Rotation: Washington Sundar for powerplay containment; Sai Kishore for middle-order specialists

Backup: Jayant Yadav (6.85 economy) for additional spin depth

6. Death Overs Bowling (Overs 16-20)

Candidates

Analysis

Prasidh Krishna was the #1 death bowler in IPL 2025 with 25 wickets (wickets death). His 8.27 economy in 2025 (#1 in GT squad) shows he's found consistency. At home (Ahmedabad), he's exceptional: 20 wickets at 16.85 average and 7.93 economy. Kagiso Rabada has 119 career wickets with 6 four-wicket hauls - the best in the current squad. His 2025 was poor (2 wickets at 81.00 average in 4 matches), but his career pedigree remains elite. Concern Rabada's 11.57 economy in 2025 is alarming. His form must be monitored closely.

Recommendation

Primary: Prasidh Krishna (overs 18-20) - #1 death bowler 2025

Rotation: Kagiso Rabada when in form; Jason Holder as death all-rounder

Backup: Mohammad Siraj for pace variety

Primary XI

• Shubman Gill - Opener (C)
• Sai Sudharsan - Opener
• Jos Buttler - Top Order (WK)
• Shahrukh Khan - Power Hitter
• Washington Sundar - All-rounder
• Rahul Tewatia - Finisher
• Rashid Khan - Lead Spinner
• Jason Holder - Pace All-rounder
• Kagiso Rabada - Powerplay Pace
• Mohammad Siraj - New Ball
• Prasidh Krishna - Death Specialist

Overseas: Buttler, Rashid, Holder, Rabada (4/4 slots)

Home XI (Narendra Modi Stadium)

• Shubman Gill - Opener (C) - 1,157 @ 52.59 at home
• Sai Sudharsan - Opener - 968 @ 53.78 at home
• Jos Buttler - Top Order (WK) - 473 @ 59.13 at home
• Shahrukh Khan - Power Hitter
• Glenn Phillips - Middle Order
• Rahul Tewatia - Finisher - 175.25 SR at home
• Rashid Khan - Lead Spinner
• Sai Kishore - Spin Support - 13 wkts @ 17.54 at home
• Prasidh Krishna - Lead Pacer - 20 wkts @ 16.85 at home
• Kagiso Rabada - Pace Support
• Ishant Sharma - 9 wkts @ 7.65 econ at home

Overseas: Buttler, Phillips, Rashid, Rabada (4/4 slots)

CSK Specialist XI (Countering spin-heavy lineup)

• Shubman Gill - Opener (C)
• Sai Sudharsan - Opener - 299 @ 59.80 vs CSK
• Jos Buttler - Top Order (WK)
• Shahrukh Khan - Power Hitter
• Washington Sundar - 4 wkts @ 6.42 econ vs CSK
• Rahul Tewatia - 8 wkts @ 19.75 vs CSK
• Rashid Khan - 19 wkts @ 30.05 vs CSK
• Jason Holder - Death Pace (replaces struggling Siraj)
• Kagiso Rabada - 9 wkts @ 7.12 econ vs CSK
• Prasidh Krishna - Death
• Sai Kishore - Spin Support

Overseas: Buttler, Rashid, Holder, Rabada (4/4 slots)

Key Strengths

• Sai Sudharsan's 49.81 career average ranks #1 in IPL history, and his 0.60 consistency coefficient is also #1 (from batting-consistency-champions-career). He's the most reliable batter in the league.

• Rashid Khan's 22.8% LBW rate is #1 in IPL history - he traps batters more effectively than any spinner ever. His 158 career wickets make him the backbone of GT's bowling.

• The Gill-Sudharsan opening pair has combined for 2,125 runs at home (Ahmedabad) with both averaging 52+ - the most prolific home opening combination in IPL 2026.

• Prasidh Krishna's 25 wickets ranked #1 in IPL 2025, and his 25.00 wicket-to-maiden ratio also ranked #1. He's emerged as an elite death bowler.

• Jos Buttler's 7 IPL centuries rank #2 all-time, and his 2025 consistency rating of 97.46 ranked #3. He provides match-winning ability at No. 3.

• Rahul Tewatia's 18.8% stumping rate is #1 in IPL - paired with Buttler's sharp glovework, this creates unique dismissal opportunities.

Key Concerns

• Mohammad Siraj's 121.33 average against CSK in 12 matches is a major red flag. His home economy (9.96) also struggles compared to his away form.

• Kagiso Rabada's 2025 form (2 wickets at 81.00 average, 11.57 economy in 4 matches) needs monitoring. The ₹10.75 Cr investment must deliver better returns.

• GT bowlers average 10.60 economy at Jaipur (Sawai Mansingh Stadium) - their worst among major venues. RR away games require tactical adjustments.

• The overseas slot management is tight with 7 quality options (Buttler, Rashid, Rabada, Holder, Phillips, Banton, Wood). Only 4 can play, creating difficult selection dilemmas.

• Glenn Phillips averages just 9.29 in 8 IPL matches. If both Shahrukh Khan and Washington Sundar underperform, the Indian middle-order backup is limited.

Opponent-Specific Tactics

Venue-Specific Adjustments

Analysis generated from IPL 2026 data files. All statistics from official IPL records through 2025 season.