IPL 2026: Predicting the strongest playing XI of GT after retentions

Gujarat Titans head into IPL 2026 with a loaded top order, a clutch middle and a fearsome seam and spin attack. Here’s why that combination looks like GT’s strongest eleven on paper after retentions.

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Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan form a near-perfect opening pair. Gill carried GT through big moments in 2025 and remains the team’s leading run-maker and calm architect at the top. His consistency across the season made him one of the tournament’s standout batters. Sai Sudharsan’s left-handed aggression has been a revelation, as he led GT’s charge in 2025 and was the competition’s top scorer, giving the side an ideal foil to Gill’s anchor role.

Jos Buttler provides the match-winning X-factor at three. When firing, Buttler can finish an innings on his own, and his 2025 returns confirmed he remains one of the most destructive white-ball hitters in the world; having him at No. 3 gives GT the licence to attack from the middle overs. 

Shahrukh Khan and Washington Sundar slot neatly into the middle. Shahrukh’s power and ability to clear boundaries make him a natural finisher, while Washington’s off-spin and dependable lower-order batting add balance and control through the middle overs. Rashid Khan, as the lead wrist-spinner, completes a high-quality spin department that can choke runs and take wickets in tandem with Sundar, while also scoring useful runs down the order.

Rahul Tewatia’s presence gives GT an experienced finisher who thrives in the slog overs and can bowl handy overs when required, which is a tactical luxury in close games.

The pace battery of Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna looks brutal on paper. Rabada’s raw aggression and ability to take early wickets provide the strike upfront. Mohammed Siraj complements that attack with controlled new-ball swing and death-over prowess, giving GT both zip and control. Prasidh Krishna’s 2025 season underlined his value as a genuine wicket-taking seamer who extracts bounce and wins crucial duels — the three together give GT the variety and bite to win across surfaces.

Probable Playing XI - Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

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