The Gujarat Titans (GT) have finalised their retention list ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, opting for stability by holding on to the core of their successful squad. The franchise, led by captain Shubman Gill, has retained a strong group of 20 players and will enter the upcoming mini-auction with a remaining purse of Rs 12.90 crore to fill the gaps.
Strategic Retention and a Key Trade
In a significant move on the retention deadline day, Gujarat Titans facilitated the transfer of power-hitting all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford to the Mumbai Indians (MI) through a trade. This decision reshapes their middle-order options and provides them with additional auction funds. Alongside Rutherford, the Titans released five other players: Mahipal Lomror, Karim Janat, Dasun Shanaka, Gerald Coetzee, and Kulwant Khejroliya.
The retained squad underscores GT's faith in the group that has made them one of the IPL's most consistent teams in recent years. Since their debut, the Titans have won the title in 2022, finished as runners-up in 2023, narrowly missed the playoffs in 2024, and secured a qualification spot again in 2025.
Gujarat Titans' Complete Retained Squad for IPL 2026
The list of 20 players retained by the franchise is a blend of explosive batters, versatile all-rounders, and a potent bowling attack. The squad is as follows:
- Batters: Shubman Gill (Captain), Sai Sudharsan, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Jos Buttler.
- All-rounders: Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Nishant Sindhu.
- Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma, Arshad Khan, Gurnoor Singh Brar.
- Spinners: Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Manav Suthar, Jayant Yadav.
Looking Ahead to the IPL 2026 Auction
With a purse of Rs 12.90 crore, the Gujarat Titans management will head into the mini-auction with clear requirements. The departure of Rutherford creates an opening for a hard-hitting finisher, while the released pacers might prompt them to look for backup fast-bowling options. The team's strategy will likely focus on adding depth and specific role players to complement their already powerful core.
The retained squad boasts immense firepower with the likes of Gill, Buttler, and Sudharsan at the top, supported by the spin wizardry of Rashid Khan and the pace of Rabada and Siraj. The challenge now will be to use their auction budget wisely to build a squad capable of reclaiming the IPL trophy in 2026.
