GT target players 2026 are under intense scrutiny as Gujarat Titans enter the IPL 2026 mini auction with one of the smallest purses, only ₹12.9 crore. Despite retaining a strong core including Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, Sai Sudharsan, Rashid Khan and Rabada, they still have five slots to fill with four overseas options open. This is a break down of Gujarat Titans targets, their squad gaps, and who will GT buy to complete a competitive lineup.
How GT Squad 2026 Looks Right Now
Projected based on current role structure and retention sheet
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shubman Gill (c) | Opener and anchor |
| 2 | B Sai Sudharsan | LH Top-order stability |
| 3 | Jos Buttler | Aggressive top-order |
| 4 | Glenn Phillips | Middle-order impact |
| 5 | M Shahrukh Khan | Power-hitting finisher |
| 6 | Rahul Tewatia | Finisher and matchup hitter |
| 7 | Washington Sundar | Spin all-rounder |
| 8 | Rashid Khan | Lead spinner |
| 9 | Kagiso Rabada | Strike pacer |
| 10 | Mohammed Siraj | New-ball leader |
| 11 | Prasidh Krishna | Enforcer pace |
GT squad 2026 weaknesses
- No replacement for Sherfane Rutherford as a finishing all-rounder
- Lack of solid experienced left-arm pace options.
- One middle-order spin-hitter short in case of collapses
That defines the GT auction strategy tightly.
GT Auction Strategy 2026: What They Need
- Finisher with six-hitting power at No.6–7
- One overseas fast bowler with variety (preferably left-arm pace)
- A batting all-rounder to stretch lower order
- A middle-order anchor option to slot in if needed
These categories form the core GT targets 2026 checklist.
Top GT Target Players 2026 (Priority List)
Category A: Overseas Finishing Power
| Player | Why He Fits GT |
|---|---|
| David Miller | Proven finisher, Ahmedabad success history, left-hand power |
| Sikandar Raza | Familiarity with middle-order role + bowling |
Miller sits high among Gujarat Titans targets due to tactical familiarity and finishing record.
Category B: Overseas Pace & Variety
| Player | Strength |
|---|---|
| Spencer Johnson | Raw left-arm pace, death overs value |
| Ben Dwarshuis | Seam variation, wicket-taking consistency, also a hitter |
Johnson and Dwarshuis offer the missing angle in GT’s attack, with the latter also a capable hitter.
Category C: All-Round Middle-Order Stability
| Player | Value |
|---|---|
| Jason Holder | Swing, lower-order runs, improved player |
| Sony Yadav | Domestic option for quick runs and pace |
Holder fits the GT targets 2026 requirement for a multi-skill cricketer.
Category D: Indian Spin-Hitting Middle Order
(depth for collapses)
| Player | Why GT Should Consider |
|---|---|
| Sarfaraz Khan | Precision vs spin, long innings player |
| Deepak Hooda | Experienced middle-order option, good form in SMAT |
Sarfaraz is a strong contingency pick if they can’t land foreign finishing power early.
GT Remaining Purse Plan: Ideal Auction Allocation
| Requirement | Budget Range | Priority Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas finisher | ₹6–9 Cr | David Miller |
| Overseas left-arm pacer | ₹4–6 Cr | Ben Dwarshuis |
| Indian all-rounder | ₹2–4 Cr | Sony Yadav |
| Indian middle-order backup | ₹1–2 Cr | Sarfaraz |
Tight budget means precision bidding only, no auctions for marquee names beyond affordability.
ALSO READ: Will Riyan Parag Be Rajasthan Royals Captain in IPL 2026?
Who Will GT Buy? Most Realistic Predictions
Based on purse, availability, and competition analysis
- David Miller
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Jason Holder or Sonu Yadav
- Sarfaraz Khan or Deepak Hooda
- One value signing based on price dynamics late in auction
This combination fully addresses GT’s finishing, pace, and middle-order stability requirements.
GT target players 2026 reflect a strategy focused on finishing power and tactical depth rather than blockbuster signings. With a limited purse but a settled core, the GT auction strategy is simple: pick three role-perfect performers rather than chase headline names.
If executed correctly, Gujarat Titans can remain one of the toughest teams to beat in IPL 2026.
