Five Players Gujarat Titans Should Release Ahead of IPL 2026

The Gujarat Titans have been a strong team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, winning 9 out of 13 matches so far. Led by Shubman Gill, the team has shown great form, sitting near the top of the points table. However, a recent 33-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has raised some concerns. While the top-order batters, including Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler, have been scoring runs consistently, the middle order has struggled. Additionally, the bowling department, especially the spinners, has seen mixed performances. Ahead of the IPL 2026, the Gujarat Titans need to make smart changes to stay competitive. Here are five players the Gujarat Titans should consider releasing to build a stronger squad.

The Gujarat Titans have been one of the most consistent teams in IPL 2025, thanks to their strong top order and reliable bowlers like R Sai Kishore. However, some players have not performed as expected, and the team has struggled in key areas like the middle order and spin bowling. With only a limited budget for the IPL 2026 auction, the Gujarat Titansmust release underperforming or underutilized players to free up funds and spots for new talent. Let’s look at the five players the Gujarat Titans should release ahead of IPL 2026.

1. Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan has been a key player for the Gujarat Titans since they joined the IPL in 2022. The Afghanistan spinner is known for his ability to take wickets and control the run rate. However, in IPL 2025, Rashid has not been at his best. He has taken only 8 wickets in 13 matches, with a high economy rate of 9.38. Batters have found it easier to attack him this season, unlike in previous years when he was hard to score against. For the Gujarat Titans, letting go of Rashid could free up a large portion of their budget, as he commands a high price. This move could allow them to invest in a younger or more consistent spinner for IPL 2026.

2. Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan, the middle-order batter from Tamil Nadu, has had limited opportunities in IPL 2025. The Gujarat Titans’ top order, including Sudharsan, Gill, and Buttler, has done most of the scoring, leaving little room for Shahrukh to shine. Even Sherfane Rutherford, who bats above him, has been more effective. Shahrukh has scored 147 runs in 13 matches this season, with his best score of 57 coming in a losing match against LSG. He has never crossed 200 runs in an IPL season, showing he hasn’t been a game-changer. The Gujarat Titans should release Shahrukh, not because he lacks skill, but because another team might give him more chances to play and perform.

3. Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma is a veteran fast bowler who can still bowl quick and accurate deliveries. However, at 36 years old, his age is becoming a concern for the Gujarat Titans. In IPL 2025, he has played only 7 matches and taken just 4 wickets, with a high economy rate. While he remains a skilled bowler, the Gujarat Titans need to plan for the future. Releasing Ishant would allow them to sign a younger Indian pacer who can offer long-term value. With the IPL 2026 auction on the horizon, the Gujarat Titans should focus on building a squad with fresh talent in the pace department.

4. Rahul Tewatia

Rahul Tewatia is known for his ability to finish matches with quick runs and contribute with the ball. However, in IPL 2025, he has failed to make an impact for the Gujarat Titans. He has not bowled at all this season, and his batting contributions have been minimal. Like Shahrukh Khan, Tewatia has been overshadowed by the strong top order, getting very little time to bat. The Gujarat Titans have plenty of middle-order batters and finishers, so Tewatia’s role has become less important. Releasing him would give the team a chance to find a more effective all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball in IPL 2026.

5. Karim Janat

Karim Janat, the Afghan all-rounder, has been barely used by the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. In the one over he bowled this season, he gave away 30 runs, which likely reduced the team’s trust in him. The Gujarat based IPL team have plenty of fast and medium-pace bowling options, making Janat’s role in the squad unclear. Releasing him would be a smart move, as he could find a team that gives him more opportunities to play. For the Gujarat Titans, letting go of Janat would free up an overseas player slot, allowing them to target a more impactful foreign player in the IPL 2026 auction.

FAQs About Gujarat Titans IPL 2026 Plans

1. Why should Gujarat based IPL team release Rashid Khan for IPL 2026?

Rashid Khan has been a key player, but his poor performance in IPL 2025, with only 8 wickets in 13 matches and a high economy rate of 9.38, suggests the Gujarat Titans could use his budget to sign a more effective spinner.

2. Who are the key performers for Gujarat based team in IPL 2025?

The top-order batters, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler, have been the main run-scorers, while R Sai Kishore has been the standout spinner for the Gujarat Titans.

3. Why is the middle order a concern for Gujarat based IPL team?

The Gujarat Titans’ middle order, including players like Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia, has had limited opportunities due to the strong top order, leading to inconsistent performances and a lack of impact.

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