The Gujarat Titans (GT)are gearing up for the IPL 2026 auction. After an impressive 2025 campaign, where they finished third in the points table with nine
wins and five losses, GT once again showed why they’ve been among the most consistent franchises. Their top order and bowling attack played crucial roles throughout the season, though certain middle-order and bowling performances proved costly during the Eliminator clash against the Mumbai Indians.
With the mini-auction approaching and the deadline to submit the retained players list nearing, GT’s management might be rethinking its strategy. Some underperforming players could be traded or released to make way for fresh talent. The Shubman Gill-led side may now look to fine-tune their line-up to get back to the dominance they enjoyed in their title-winning debut season.
Here are 3 players whom GT might trade before IPL 2026 auction
3. Rahul Tewatia
All-rounder Rahul Tewatia could be among the Gujarat Titans’ potential releases ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Despite him being known as a reliable finisher, Tewatia had a quiet IPL 2025, scoring just 99 runs in 12 innings, mostly in the death overs where he rarely had time to settle or make an impact. Retained for INR 4 crore in the 2025 season, his returns didn’t quite match the investment.
GT’s top-order dominance last season led to him getting limited chances, while his bowling wasn’t utilized effectively either. With the franchise looking to strengthen its middle order and add more bowling depth, Tewatia could be traded or released ahead of the 2026 auction.
2. Ishant Sharma
Veteran Indian pacer Ishant Sharma could be among the players released by the Gujarat-based franchise. The 37-year-old's age and fitness have started to catch up with him, affecting his pace and performances. In IPL 2025, Ishant featured in seven matches, taking only four wickets at an average of 51.25 and an economy rate of 11.18.
Once a reliable new-ball bowler, Ishant has found it tough to adapt to the batting approach of modern-day players. GT might opt to change their bowling attack with younger and newer pacers who can have a long-term impact.
1. Rashid Khan
One of the biggest names the Titans could trade by star spinner Rashid Khan. The Afghan superstar, who has been part of the team since their debut in 2022, had his toughest IPL season in 2025. In 15 innings, he managed only 9 wickets at an average of over 40 and an economy rate of 8.75.
With the bat, too, Rashid failed to make an impact, scoring just 40 runs in eight innings at an average of 8.00 and a strike rate of 142.86. His poor form extended during the 2025 Asia Cup, as he claimed only three wickets and scored 47 runs in three matches as Afghanistan crashed out early. While Rashid was retained for INR 18 crore, the team could look to trade him or release him to free up some funds.
