IPL 2026: 3 Players GT should release ahead of mini-auction

Gujarat Titans (GT) had a strong IPL 2025 season, finishing third on the points table after the league stage. They won nine out of their 14 games and ended with 18 points. At one point, they looked good enough to claim a top-two finish, but they eventually had to settle for a spot in the Eliminator.

Their campaign ended there, as the Mumbai Indians (MI) knocked them out. Throughout the season, many players performed well under Shubman Gill’s leadership, especially the batting trio of Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler. 

But a few players struggled to meet expectations despite having good experience and ability. Those players might end up being released in the upcoming mini-auction for the 2026 season, reportedly to happen in Abu Dhabi in mid-December 2025.  

Here are the 3 players GT should release before the mini-auction

Ishant Sharma

The experienced Indian fast bowler had a tough IPL 2025. Gujarat Titans trusted his experience and gave him seven matches, but he took only four wickets and had an economy rate of 11.18.

Given his form and age, the franchise will likely release him ahead of the 2026 season. They may instead search for younger bowlers who can deliver effective and consistent spells at any time in the innings.

Karim Janat

GT used the Afghanistan all-rounder in just one game during the 2025 season. He did not get to bat in that match, and his bowling outing went very badly. Janat bowled only one over and gave away 30 runs against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur.

Playing only one match and performing poorly led GT to lose confidence in him. So, it is likely that he will be released before IPL 2026.

Arshad Khan

Gujarat Titans backed the Indian left-arm pacer Arshad Khan and gave him nine matches in IPL 2025. Across those games, he took six wickets at an economy rate of 10.33. With the bat, he scored 23 runs in five innings.

However, after such performances in nine matches, the franchise may release him ahead of the 2026 season, especially considering the other options available.

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