GT released players 2026: Key Players Likely to Be Released Ahead of IPL 2026

Gujarat Titans have been knocked out of IPL 2025 after losing to Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator. Led by Shubman Gill, the Titans had a strong and consistent season, winning 9 out of their 13 matches. Despite their impressive run, they fell short when it mattered most and couldn’t make it to the next stage.

GT’s top three batters have been doing most of the scoring, but their middle-order has been a bit of a worry. In the bowling department, it’s R Sai Kishore who’s been more effective with his spin than the experienced Rashid Khan. Like every other team, GT will also be looking to make a few changes and tweak their squad to come back stronger in IPL 2026.

Gujarat Titans List of players that the team might release for IPL 2026:

1. Rashid Khan

Once regarded as the best spinner in T20 cricket, Rashid Khan seems to have lost his magic. Since IPL 2024, the Afghan spinner has not been in his old form. In his last 27 IPL innings, he hasn't taken three wickets in a single game, and his economy rate has been 8.92. In this season, Rashid has been GT's biggest disappointment, taking only 9 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 57.11. Considering his ₹18 crore price tag, GT may release him and look to bring in a fresh face in their spin department.

2. Rahul Tewatia

The all-rounder has simply failed to deliver on expectations this season. And this was very evident from GT’s game against LSG. While he has not bowled at all this season, his contributions with the bat have been minimal. Like SRK, he too has not gotten much game time due to the heavy top-order. However, GT has no dearth of middle-order batters or finishers.

3. Karim Janat

Afghanistan’s experienced all-rounder Karim Janat played a negligible role for GT this season. He didn’t get an opportunity to bat, and his only bowling performance was disastrous, he conceded 30 runs in a single over against Rajasthan Royals. Due to his underwhelming performance, GT regularly opted for Arshad Khan as their bowling all-rounder. Thus, Janat is likely to be released ahead of the next season and may return to the auction pool.

4. Shahrukh Khan

Middle-order batsman Shahrukh Khan got limited chances this season. With most of the runs coming from the trio of Sudharsan, Gill, and Buttler, and with Rutherford performing effectively above him in the batting order, Shahrukh had little time on the field. Looking at his record, he has never scored more than 200 runs in a single IPL season. This year, he scored 147 runs in 13 matches, with a top score of 57 against LSG, which also ended in defeat. GT may release him, as he might be better utilized by another franchise.

5. Ishant Sharma

Veteran Indian pacer Ishant Sharma still has the ability to bowl at a good pace and maintain a consistent length. However, at 36 years of age, he played only 7 matches in IPL 2025 and took 4 wickets. His bowling was also quite expensive. Considering his age, GT may release him before IPL 2026 and invest in a young Indian pacer for the future.

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