IPL 2026 Gujarat Titans: From Shubhman Gill to Sai Sudharsan, here are top players to watch out

Despite lifting the title in 2022, Gujarat Titans (GT) have often flown slightly under the radar heading into each Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This year, however, they boast a squad that not only looks capable of making the playoffs but also has a realistic shot at clinching a second title.

GT’s strength lies in their balance — a lineup packed with proven match-winners who can turn games single-handedly, complemented by a well-rounded mix of overseas stars and domestic talent.

Rashid Khan – Spin-bowling all-rounder

Rashid Khan remains one of the finest T20 players in world cricket. However, the Afghanistan star has endured a relatively lean run of form, both at the international level and in franchise leagues. The 27-year-old has managed just 19 wickets for GT across the last two seasons in Ahmedabad.

That said, class players rarely stay quiet for long. Rashid appears primed for a strong comeback season. He offered glimpses of his brilliance at the T20 World Cup, picking up six wickets in four matches at an impressive economy rate of 6.68. Notably, this included a tidy spell of 2 for 28 against South Africa at GT’s home ground in Ahmedabad.

Rahul Tewatia – Finisher

Rahul Tewatia has carved out a reputation as one of the modern-day cult heroes of the Indian Premier League. Ever since his breakout heroics with Rajasthan Royals in 2020, expectations around him have soared.

While 2025 was underwhelming in terms of returns — he averaged just 12.37 — Tewatia maintained an impressive strike rate of 167.79, underlining his impact as a finisher. His role in the side remains unchanged: to provide late-order acceleration and pull off clutch moments.

Despite the dip in form, the 32-year-old continues to be a genuine match-winner, with opposition teams well aware of the threat he poses in crunch situations.

Sai Sudharsan– Top-order batter

Sai Sudharsan enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in IPL 2025, finishing as the Orange Cap winner after amassing 759 runs at an average of 54.21 and a strike rate of 156.17.

The elegant left-hander forged a formidable opening partnership with captain Shubman Gill, providing Gujarat Titans with consistent starts throughout the season.

With such a stellar campaign behind him, Sudharsan will head into the new season carrying heightened expectations as he looks to anchor the batting unit once again.

Jos Buttler – Wicketkeeper-batter

Like Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler heads into the IPL on the back of a concerning run in international cricket. The England star managed just 87 runs at an average of 10.87 in the T20 World Cup, looking a shadow of his usually dominant self.

However, Buttler’s pedigree in the Indian Premier League makes him impossible to write off. He was in fine touch last season, amassing 538 runs at an average of just under 60, coupled with a strike rate of 163.03.

Given his proven track record, Buttler remains a key match-winner capable of turning games single-handedly.

Shubman Gill – Captain & opener

IPL 2026 could prove to be a defining season for Shubman Gill. As he steps into his third campaign as Gujarat Titans captain, the stakes are higher than ever.

Beyond leadership, Gill also has a point to prove on the international stage. After being left out of India’s T20 World Cup plans, the stylish opener will be keen to reaffirm his credentials and push his case for a return to the national T20I setup.