Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans (GT) could retain fast bowler Kagiso Rabada ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, which is expected to take place in December. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have also finalized their plans for the upcoming mini auction.
Gujarat Titans started their IPL 2025 campaign by winning four of their first five matches. However, the team lost momentum towards the end of the tournament.
The franchise will now look to make significant changes ahead of IPL 2026 to improve the situation. It is expected that Gujarat Titans will release many players before the auction.
Gujarat Titans had a good campaign in the Indian Premier League 2025
Gujarat Titans looked set to finish in the top two for most of the IPL 2025 league stage, winning nine of their first twelve matches under Shubman Gill. However, they suffered two heavy defeats in their final league games, and dropped to third in the standings.
The Ahmedabad-based franchise had to play an eliminator against Mumbai Indians (MI), where their flaws were exposed with a 20-run defeat and their season ended.
There were many positives for the 2022 champion. Sai Sudarshan won the Orange Cap by scoring 759 runs, while Prasidh Krishna won the Purple Cap by taking 25 wickets. The Titans will aim to build on these individual performances and make a strong comeback in IPL 2026.
Gujarat Titans set to retain Kagiso Rabada despite disappointing season
Gujarat Titans signed Kagiso Rabada for ₹10.75 crore ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction. The South African pacer managed to play only four matches, taking two wickets while conceding runs at an economy rate of over 11.
Rabada failed to justify his hefty price tag with his new ball spells and death overs bowling. His season was interrupted due to an alleged drug-related issue, which forced him to temporarily leave the team.
With his high salary taking up a significant portion of GT’s budget, the franchise is now facing a difficult decision regarding his future next season. However, the franchise may retain Rabada for the upcoming season.
KG Rabada+ (Continued) https://t.co/fIj1WWP4Kv
– Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) 11 November 2025
Lucknow Supergiants may release David Miller; KKR target Cameron Green
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are reportedly planning to release senior batsman David Miller ahead of the mini-auction to free up his ₹7.5 crore salary cap hit. The franchise wants to use the funds to secure a foreign all-rounder, with Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai emerging as a prime target.
Miller, who joined LSG in the 2025 mega auction, had a disappointing season with only 153 runs in 12 matches at an average of 19.12 and a strike rate of less than 130. LSG finished in mid-table last season due to their struggles with form and injuries.
Lucknow Super Giants may release David Miller. [Espn Cricinfo]
– They are trying to bring a foreign all-rounder in the auction. pic.twitter.com/Ew58IlhuLS
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 11 November 2025
Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is preparing for a big change. The three-time champions may retain eight key players including Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Rinku Singh, but have decided to release Venkatesh Iyer and former captain Ajinkya Rahane.
With a purse of ₹40 crore, KKR is prioritizing the inclusion of an overseas all-rounder like Cameron Green and a quality fast bowler to strengthen their pace and balance for IPL 2026.
Cam Green is on the priority list for KKR – they need a batsman who can bowl fast.
– Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) 11 November 2025
Also read: Yash Dayal’s career is over and dusty! RCB accepted defeat
