5 players that Gujarat Titans (GT) can target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

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The Gujarat Titans (GT) are known for their data-driven, strategic auction approach. Despite a strong league stage performance in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 where they finished 3rd and reached the Eliminator, they were knocked out, indicating a few key structural weaknesses.

GT have a largely stable squad, retaining 20 players, including the strong Indian core of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, as well as star overseas players Jos Buttler and Rashid Khan. However, strategic releases (Gerald Coetzee) and a trade (Sherfane Rutherford) leave them with a minimal purse of INR 12.90 crore and only five slots to fill (four overseas). Their targets must be high-impact role specialists.

GT, under the pragmatic leadership of Shubman Gill and coach Ashish Nehra, are renowned for their strategic auction acumen. After a successful IPL 2025 season where they finished 3rd but failed to reach the Final, the management has been decisive in their releases, leaving them with a small purse of ₹12.90 crore and clear, focused needs. Their biggest challenge is replacing the middle-order finisher (due to the Rutherford trade) and securing an express overseas pacer after releasing Coetzee. GT must use their limited budget to acquire high-impact, specialist players who perfectly fit their structured, winning template.

David Miller is the ideal overseas target for GT, not only because he is a proven match-winner but because he previously defined their successful middle-order template (scoring 950 runs for GT from 2022-2024). His return would perfectly replace the traded Rutherford. Miller brings composure and high-level finishing ability (IPL SR 145+) that complements the top-order stability provided by Gill and Sai Sudharsan. Securing the South African at a potentially low cost, following a quieter 2025 season with LSG, would be a high-value, familiar move to restore balance to their powerful middle order.

Following the release of Coetzee, GT has a critical need for a left-arm express pace bowler to complement the attack led by Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada. Spencer Johnson, released by KKR, fits this role perfectly. Known for his high pace, unique angle, and ability to generate bounce on the Ahmedabad pitch, Johnson is a proven powerplay and death-overs option. Given his base price of ₹1.5 crore, GT can likely secure the Australian pacer and inject the raw pace and variety needed to strengthen a bowling unit that was occasionally inconsistent in the middle overs of 2025.

With Buttler retained as their primary overseas keeper, GT lacks a dedicated, high-impact backup keeper who can also contribute as an aggressive top-order batter when required. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, released by KKR, offers an excellent option. The Afghan keeper is an explosive opening batter (T20 SR over 145) who can step in if Buttler needs rest or if an early wicket is needed on certain pitches. Gurbaz’s base price of ₹1.5 crore is attractive, and his acquisition provides a versatile, high-energy reserve who can cover two crucial roles (opener and keeper) with international quality.

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Jason Holder is a crucial target to fill the vacuum of a genuine fast-medium bowling all-rounder in the squad. Despite a high base price, Holder offers invaluable utility: a genuine fast-medium bowler who can operate in the middle overs and provide useful, right-arm pace in the death. His ability to hit the long ball with the bat provides a reliable lower-middle-order insurance alongside Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan, a role GT lacks. His height and experience offer a different dimension to the pace attack, ensuring GT has a multi-skilled overseas option for structural flexibility.

Ravi Bishnoi is the highest-priority Indian spin target for GT. Bishnoi is a wrist-spinner of superior pedigree, known for his aggressive, wicket-taking style. As one of only two Indians in the highest ₹2 crore base price bracket, securing him would be expensive but transformative. Bishnoi would provide a high-impact domestic partner to Rashid Khan, ensuring the middle-overs spin attack is genuinely potent and able to restrict opponents even when the Chepauk pitch is not conducive to spin.

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