3 Gujarat Titans players who might be benched in IPL 2026

Gujarat Titans (GT) come into the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) on the back of a brilliant season last time around where they finished third in the standings. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, the Ahmedabad-based franchise played fearless cricket with the bat, knowing they have a great bowling lineup behind them to sort things out in the second innings.

GT have a well-balanced playing XI which relies heavily on its Indian contingent with overseas superstars forming the backbone for their success. Some of the overseas players in their ranks are genuine match-winners, widely regarded as the greatest T20 players in the world.

With such a stacked lineup, it can make things difficult for other talented players on the sidelines to break into the team and showcase their potential in front of the watching world. However, doors are never locked for any player, and they can easily feature for their franchise due to injuries or impressing during training and net sessions. 

Here are 3 GT players who might be benched for entire IPL 2026:

3. Ishant Sharma (Right arm Fast medium bowler)

Ishant Sharma has played for six franchises across his illustrious IPL career, with the year 2025 being his first season with GT. He made seven appearances and took four wickets at an economy rate of 11.18.

The 37-year-old, who has played more than 100 Tests for India, could well be behind in the the pecking order in 2026 with the likes of Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada expected to play for the majority of the season. Ishant’s experience would still be a huge asset for the team, which has a host of youngsters in their ranks.

2. Tom Banton (Middle order Batter)

Tom Banton is an excellent T20 batter with an impressive track record across franchise cricket. The England batter, however, could see himself stuck on the bench for a majority of the season with compatriot Jos Buttler expected to play all the matches at number three.

With Buttler, Rashid Khan, Rabada close to being guaranteed starters for GT and the team most likely opting for either Jason Holder or Glenn Phillips to operate as their batting all-rounder, expect Banton to wait on the sidelines for a chance. The 27-year-old has made just two appearances in the IPL, both coming for KKR back in 2020.

1. Anuj Rawat (Wicketkeeper-batter)

Anuj Rawat was picked up by GT during the 2025 mega auction for INR 30 lakh. Despite not playing a game for the franchise last year, the 26-year-old was retained by the 2022 champions ahead of the 2026 season. 

It is looking difficult for Rawat to get a game this year as well. The left-handed batter sees captain Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Buttler ahead of him to bat in the top order. If GT need a wicketkeeper replacement, they have Kumar Kushagra in their ranks, who was third-highest runs-scorer at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and formed part of the title-winning Jharkhand side.