IPL 2026: Predicting GT's strongest playing XI

Shubman Gill, who manages both captaincy and run scoring, is a surefire choice to start the batting. He can control spin and tempo thanks to his technique. Sai Sudharsan, who partnered with him at the top last year, will be crucial. It is anticipated that he will perform similarly this year. Jos Buttler (wk) has a lot of firepower at three. The Englishman is capable of smashing the ball both in the middle overs and in the powerplay.

Glenn Phillips or Jason Holder might replace Sherfane Rutherford. Although Holder's addition would give GT a fourth pace option, he will bat lower and may have preference over Phillips because he was purchased for seven crores.

Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, and Jason Holder will manage the middle order. Washington Sundar, who provides balance with the bat and the ball, is anticipated to play a significant part. Shahrukh Khan will start at number five since the management has shown faith in him despite the fact that he hasn't done anything for the Titans.

Although it's debatable if Rahul Tewatia should be in GT's starting lineup, the finisher has done well enough to be given a lengthy rope. He will then be followed by the tall West-Indian, Jason Holder. At number eight, Rashid Khan leads the spin attack. In T20 cricket, the Afghan star continues to be the most difficult bowler to score off, and he has demonstrated his ability to cause problems with the bat. 

Kagiso Rabada will spearhead the pace push. Rabada will be keen to regain his peak performance following a dismal 2025 campaign. Mohammed Siraj, who claimed 16 wickets the previous season, will be very important, particularly on conditions that are conducive to bowling. The assault is completed by Prasidh Krishna, the IPL 2025 Purple Cap winner with 25 wickets, who will try to maintain his game-winning abilities in IPL 2026.

The obvious pick for this Impact Player position is Sai Kishore. In order to take advantage of Sai Kishore's deft spin in the second innings, the Titans can open with an additional hitter, such as Kumar Kushagra or Anuj Rawat.

GT’s strongest playing 11 for IPL 2026 

Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Shah Rukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

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