Ahmedabad, November 15, 2025 — Gujarat Titans unveiled their player retention list for IPL 2026, retaining captain Shubman Gill and key performers while releasing five players as part of strategic squad restructuring. The 2022 champions enter the auction with a ₹12.9 crore purse and five available slots.
Table of Contents
Retention Strategy Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Core Retained Players | 20 players including Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler |
| Players Released | 5 (Gerald Coetzee, Karim Janat, Mahipal Lomror, Dasun Shanaka, Kulwant Khejroliya) |
| Available Auction Purse | ₹12.9 crore |
| Vacant Squad Spots | 5 (including 4 foreign player slots) |
| Previous Season Finish | Runners-up (IPL 2025) |
| IPL Title | Champions (2022) |
Strategic Core Retained for Title Challenge
Gujarat Titans have maintained continuity by retaining their leadership core alongside established match-winners. Captain Shubman Gill leads a balanced squad featuring Afghan spin maestro Rashid Khan, England’s explosive Jos Buttler, India pacer Mohammed Siraj, and South African speedster Kagiso Rabada.
The retention list emphasizes youth development with promising Indian talents including Sai Sudharsan, Nishant Sindhu, Kumar Kushagra, and Anuj Rawat—players who align with the franchise’s long-term vision.
Vikram Solanki, Director of Cricket, explained the approach: “Retention is always a strategic process and this year our aim was to secure a core that aligns with the vision of Gujarat Titans. We want continuity, balance and a strong pipeline that contributes to the future of Indian cricket.”
Gujarat Titans: Released Players and Squad Restructuring
As part of squad optimization, the Titans released five players: Gerald Coetzee, Karim Janat, Mahipal Lomror, Dasun Shanaka, and Kulwant Khejroliya. Earlier, explosive all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford was traded to Mumbai Indians.
These moves reflect the franchise’s focus on strengthening specific areas while maintaining financial flexibility for the upcoming auction. With ₹12.9 crore available and four foreign player slots open, Gujarat Titans can target specialist additions to complement their existing core.
Head coach Ashish Nehra commented: “We’ve retained a group that gives us balance and clarity as we plan for the season ahead. We appreciate the efforts of the released players and wish them well for the future.”
Complete Retained Squad for IPL 2026
Key Players: Shubman Gill (captain), Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna
Batting Core: Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Glenn Phillips
All-rounders: Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Jayant Yadav
Bowling Attack: Ishant Sharma, Arshad Khan, Gurnoor Brar, Sai Kishore, Manav Suthar, Nishant Sindhu
Building on Runners-Up Finish
The 2022 IPL champions finished as runners-up last season, demonstrating sustained competitiveness in India’s premier T20 league. The retained squad provides a foundation of experience and emerging talent, positioning the franchise for another strong title challenge.
“The players we’ve retained bring a mix of experience, potential and character—qualities that form the foundation of a successful franchise,” Solanki added. “This group allows us to plan with clarity as we prepare for the auction and the seasons ahead.”
With auction strategy focused on filling specific gaps, Gujarat Titans aim to build a stable, competitive squad capable of reclaiming IPL glory. For comprehensive coverage of IPL 2026 developments, stay connected with TechnoSports.
