The Gujarat Titans, who finished fourth last season, have a solid team on paper, with depth across the lineup. In the 2026 IPL, they struggled during the middle overs (7-15), often exceeding 10 runs per over (RPO) while losing a few wickets. Their top three batsmen, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler, were instrumental in carrying the team to the playoffs. However, the lower middle order's inefficiency in finishing games ultimately held them back, preventing the Titans from advancing beyond the eliminator round.
This season, they aim to address those issues, but they must rethink their overseas picks to secure a spot in the top four.
Power-Packed Top Order
The Gujarat Titans are well-known for their consistent batting, regardless of conditions. Last season, their top three Sai Sudharsan, who won the Orange Cap, Shubman Gill, and Jos Buttler each scored over 500 runs, helping the team qualify for the playoffs. However, the poor form of Jos Buttler, the inconsistency of Shubman Gill in this format, and Sai Sudharsan's recent match scores are concerns as they look to regain their form this season.
Middle Order Reinforcements
In the previous season, Sherfane Rutherford's inconsistency led to his trade to the Mumbai Indians. The Titans acquired Glenn Phillips in the auction, who is expected to bat at numbers 4, 5, or 6 and could contribute with his off-spin bowling as well. They also signed Jason Holder, who has been outstanding in T20 leagues recently. He is expected to play the role of an all-rounder and finisher for the team this season.
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Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar didn't play many matches last season, but he made an impact whenever he had the chance. His batting position will be crucial this time; if the top order fails, he can stabilize the innings and can score at a strike rate above 180 to boost the run rate. The next three batsmen in the middle order will be rotated based on the match situation, avoiding the mistakes made last year. Additionally, players like Shahrukh Khan and Nishant Sindhu are expected to be key impact player options for the Titans this season, offering flexibility and depth based on match situations.
Overseas Combination Headache
With three of the four overseas slots already filled for batting balance, the real challenge lies in selecting the fourth overseas player. The lead spinner, Rashid Khan, is expected to occupy that spot. If the Titans proceed with this decision, they would have to omit Kagiso Rabada to achieve a well-balanced batting lineup. If Rabada plays, either Glenn Phillips or Jason Holder will need to sit out, allowing an overseas pacer to lead the bowling attack alongside Mohammed Siraj. However, omitting Phillips could weaken the middle order. If Rabada is excluded, they could utilize an all-Indian pace attack with players like Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Karthik Sharma, or uncapped talent Arshad Khan.
Overall, the Titans possess a balanced team with a variety of options. Shubman Gill and the Gujarat Titans have something to prove, making them strong contenders for a top-four finish this season, provided their top three batsmen can deliver once again. With every position well set and ready to go under head coach Ashish Nehra, they look poised for success.
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