Gujarat Titans is not going to make any major changes in the upcoming IPL 2026 auction. However, something is brewing between Washington Sundar and Gujarat Titans before the rematch.
With the IPL 2026 auction taking place in Abu Dhabi next month, Gujarat Titans have made it clear that they want to retain their core and avoid unnecessary changes. GT captain Shubman Gill and head coach Ashish Nehra both agree that the team already has the balance they need, and only major upgrades are planned.
Gujarat Titans back their core, give Washington Sundar a bigger role in IPL 2026
The biggest development inside the GT camp is the rise of Washington Sundar. The Titans team management has decided to give the 26-year-old all-rounder a bigger role from the next season. They have decided to play Sundar regularly at number 4 in IPL 2026.
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Sundar got only six matches last season despite the franchise buying the Indian all-rounder for ₹3.2 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. The Impact Player rule has hurt Washington Sundar’s chances in teams for three consecutive years, forcing him off the field frequently.
Sundar played only nine matches between IPL 2023 and 2024 with Sunrisers Hyderabad. But everything has changed in the last few months. His stock has risen rapidly, and he is now seen as one of the rare Indian players who can earn a place in all three formats purely for his batting or bowling. Sundar’s recent performances have pushed him into a new category.
GT blocks CSK’s all-cash trade move after Washington Sundar becomes rare for India
The Indian all-rounder played all the ODIs on the Australia tour and achieved important successes. But it was Washington Sundar’s explosive innings of 49 not out off 23 balls in the Hobart T20I that really shocked everyone and showed how much firepower his bat has.
The Indian cricket team management now considers Sundar as one of the few automatic selections in all three formats of the game. Recognizing this value, Gujarat Titans immediately turned down Chennai Super Kings’ attempt to trade for him, even though CSK reportedly offered an all-cash deal.
With Shubman Gill, Sai Sudarshan and Jos Buttler forming a strong and stable top three, Sundar moving to No. 4 could finally solve GT’s long-standing middle-order problem. GT may not make noise at the IPL 2026 auction table, but their internal strategy indicates a bold and confident plan for the next edition of the tournament.
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Mumbai Indians bring back Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans for IPL 2026
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have pulled off one of the most exciting moves of the pre-IPL 2026 window by bringing West Indies power-hitter Sherfane Rutherford back into their fold.
The explosive all-rounder has been officially traded to Gujarat Titans, and he will join Mumbai Indians for the same fee of Rs 2.6 crore that GT paid for him in the mega auction.
The 27-year-old has already played 44 T20 matches for West Indies and is known to turn matches with his fearless hitting. Rutherford has so far participated in 23 matches in the IPL. He represented Delhi Capitals in 2019, then moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2022.
The West Indies star was previously a part of Mumbai Indians in 2020 and later joined Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 and then GT in 2025.
