The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is approaching a mini-auction, which is expected to take place in December 2025. After finishing third and reaching the Eliminator in the previous season, Gujarat Titans (GT) will prioritize stabilizing their core by retaining their successful Indian captain and the sensational young batting talent who carried their run-scoring duties. GT’s retention strategy will focus on youth, high-impact domestic performers, and cost-effective value to maintain a winning template. They will strategically free up funds from high-priced overseas players to address specific needs in the auction, particularly reinforcing the middle-order power and pace bowling depth.
GT’s IPL 2025 performance and strategic stabilization
The Titans had a strong IPL 2025 campaign, finishing 3rd 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 was overwhelmingly dependent on the brilliance of their young Indian top order. Sai Sudharsan was the standout performer, finishing as the leading run-scorer in IPL 2025 with 759 runs, while captain Shubman Gill was close behind with 650 runs. This reliance on the top order, however, masked a vulnerable middle order that often struggled for consistency.
On the bowling front, the pace attack, bolstered by 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 their young, performing Indian core is locked in. By building around the successful partnership of Gill and Sudharsan, they can strategically release players who underperformed relative to their high price tag (like Jos Buttler at INR 15.75 crore or Mohammed Siraj at INR 12.25 crore) to free up a massive budget for a targeted, flexible auction strategy.
5 Indian players Gujarat Titans can retain ahead of IPL 2026 auction
GT will prioritize retaining their captain, their top run-scorer, a reliable power-hitter, their best specialist spinner, and a high-potential domestic all-rounder.
1. Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan is the most crucial 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 is non-negotiable, not only because he is the cornerstone of their batting future but also due to his relatively cost-effective price tag (INR 8.5 crore), which offers immense value for a match-winner.
2. Shubman Gill
As the captain and a highly consistent top-order batter, Shubman Gill is a foundational retention. His ability to anchor the innings and maintain a high strike rate (155.88 in IPL 2025 with 650 runs) is vital for setting up the team’s strong totals. Retaining the captain is essential for maintaining team cohesion and the established aggressive batting culture. Gill’s leadership and form make him an automatic lock for the franchise.
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3. Sai Kishore
The left-arm orthodox spinner Sai Kishore emerged as a key bowler for GT, finishing as the team’s leading wicket-taker in IPL 2025 with 19 wickets. In a team that missed an experienced Indian leg-spinner, Kishore’s control, wicket-taking ability, and ability to bowl effectively in the powerplay and middle overs make him a specialist retention. His performance justifies his spot as the premium Indian spin option.
4. Mohammed Siraj
The retention of Mohammed Siraj is a key strategic move for GT to solidify their pace attack. Having invested ₹12.25 crore in him for IPL 2025, his performance (15 wickets, best of 4/17) validated the investment. Siraj provides the team with a premium, experienced Indian pace spearhead capable of taking wickets in the powerplay and controlling the death overs, making him an invaluable, high-impact domestic retention.
5. Rahul Tewatia
Rahul Tewatia remains a high-utility retention for his proven ability as a clutch finisher and a handy leg-spin option. Although his batting numbers were lower in 2025 (99 runs in 12 innings) due to less time in the middle, his experience in winning games from impossible positions and his proven track record as an all-rounder provides immense value. Retaining him at INR 4 crore secures a dependable Indian finisher and a specialist fielder.
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