Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 A mini-auction is coming, which is expected to take place in December 2025. After finishing third last season and reaching the eliminator, Gujarat Titans (GT) They will prefer to stabilize their core while retaining their successful Indian captain and the sensational young batting talent handling the run-scoring duties. GT’s retention strategy will focus on youth, high-impact homegrown artists and cost-effective pricing to retain the winning template. They will strategically free up money from high-priced foreign players to address specific needs in the auction, especially to strengthen middle-order strength and fast bowling depth.
GT’s IPL 2025 performance and strategic stabilization
The Titans had a strong IPL 2025 campaign, finishing third in the league stage with 9 wins and qualifying for the playoffs for the third time in four seasons, before losing the eliminator to Mumbai Indians. The team’s success largely depended on the talent of their young Indian top order. Sai Sudarshan Was an exceptional performer, finishing as the leading run-scorer in IPL 2025 with 759 runs while captain. Shubman Gill Was last with 650 runs. However, the reliance on the top order masked a weak middle order, which often struggled for consistency.
On the bowling front, the pace attack strengthened by the new signings performed well, but the team missed the consistent impact of a world-class Indian leg spinner. GT’s strategic focus for retention will be a stabilization effort, ensuring that their young, performing Indian core is locked in. Based on the successful partnership of Gill and Sudarshan, they can strategically release players who have underperformed relative to their high price tags (like jos buttler At INR 15.75 crore or Mohammad Siraj at Rs 12.25 crore) to free up a larger budget for a targeted, flexible auction strategy.
Gujarat Titans may retain 5 Indian players before IPL 2026 auction
GT would prefer to retain its captain, its top run-scorer, a reliable power-hitter, its best specialist spinner and a high-calibre domestic all-rounder.
1. Sai Sudarshan
Sai Sudarshan This is the most important retention for Gujarat Titans. He was the undisputed star of their IPL 2025 campaign, finishing as the Orange Cap winner (759 runs) and showing incredible consistency and maturity. His retention cannot be compromised, not only because he is the cornerstone of their batting future, but also because of his relatively cost-effective price tag (INR 8.5 crore), which offers immense value for a match-winner.
2.Shubman Gill
As a captain and a highly consistent top-order batsman, Shubman Gill There is a fundamental retention. His ability to handle the innings and maintain a high strike rate (155.88 with 650 runs in IPL 2025) is crucial for the team to set up strong scores. Retaining the captain is essential to maintain team cohesion and the established aggressive batting culture. Gill’s leadership and form makes him an automatic lock for the franchise.
Also read: Mumbai Indians: 5 Indian players whom MI may retain ahead of IPL 2026 auction
3. Sai Kishore
left arm orthodox spinner Sai Kishore Emerging as a key bowler for GT, he finished as the team’s leading wicket-taker in IPL 2025 with 19 wickets. In a team that lacked an experienced Indian leg spinner, Kishore’s control, wicket-taking ability and ability to bowl effectively in the powerplay and middle overs kept him a specialist. His performances justify his place as a premium Indian spin option.
4. Mohammad Siraj
retention of Mohammad Siraj This is an important strategic move for GT to strengthen its pace attack. After investing ₹12.25 crore in him for IPL 2025, his performances (15 wickets, best 4/17) validated the investment. Siraj provides the team with a premium, experienced Indian fast bowler who is capable of taking wickets in the powerplay and controlling the death overs, making him an invaluable, high-impact domestic player.
5. Rahul Tewatia
Rahul Tewatia He remains a high-utility batsman due to his proven ability as a clutch finisher and handy leg-spin option. Although his batting numbers in 2025 were low due to the short time off in between (99 runs in 12 innings), his experience in winning games from impossible positions and his proven track record as an all-rounder provide immense value. Retaining him for Rs 4 crore gives a reliable Indian finisher and a specialist fielder.
Also read: Rajasthan Royals: RR may retain 5 Indian players ahead of IPL 2026 auction
