IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans retain core squad, release five players ahead of auction; full trade list here

Captain Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada are among the key names retained for the new season. The franchise said the retained group reflects continuity and long-term planning as the 2022 champions look to mount another title challenge.

As part of the restructuring, the Titans have released five players — Gerald Coetzee, Karim Janat, Mahipal Lomror, Dasun Shanaka and Kulwant Khejroliya. Earlier, Sherfane Rutherford was traded to Mumbai Indians.

Vikram Solanki, Director of Cricket at Gujarat Titans, said retention is “a strategic process”, adding that the aim this year was to secure a core that aligns with the franchise’s long-term vision. “The players we’ve retained bring experience, potential and character. This group allows us to plan with clarity as we prepare for the auction,” he said, thanking the released players for their contribution.

Head coach Ashish Nehra said the retained squad gives the team “balance and clarity” heading into the 2026 season.

The Titans finished runners-up in 2023 and will enter the IPL 2026 auction with a purse of Rs 12.9 crore. The team has five slots to fill, including four overseas positions.

Retained players:

Shubman Gill (captain), Rashid Khan, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Nishant Sindhu, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Manav Suthar, Washington Sundar, Arshad Khan, Gurnoor Brar, Sai Kishore, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Glenn Phillips.

Released players:

Karim Janat, Kulwant Khejroliya, Gerald Coetzee, Dasun Shanaka, Mahipal Lomror.

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