IPL 2026: SWOT analysis of Gujarat Titans - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

Gujarat Titans (GT) had a commendable campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, as they made it to the playoffs and were ousted by the Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator. The former champions have bolstered their side with some key signings and will be hopeful of going the distance in IPL 2026.

Gujarat Titans went into the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a purse of INR 12.90 crore. They had most bases covered and needed only some fine-tuning. Their most expensive signing was Jason Holder, whose services were acquired for INR 7 crore. He will add a lot of value, not just with his skills with bat and ball but his experience as a leader in international cricket as well as franchise leagues around the world.

The Titans' management also welcomed English cricketers Tom Banton and Luke Wood into their line-up. Banton is a decent backup for the talismanic Jos Buttler. On the other hand, Wood can be a lethal customer with the new ball, especially with his ability to make it swing. He could forge a formidable new-ball pairing with Mohammed Siraj.

Rajasthan speedster Ashok Sharma is another player worthy of keeping an eye on. The right-arm pacer was in the news after touching 150 kph mark consistently during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this season.

Strengths

Continuity could be the biggest strength for the Titans in the coming season. They will not have to make too many changes to their playing XI from IPL 2025. Most of the players will be aware of their roles and the few who would be new to the setup would look to get accustomed quickly.

The presence of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan at the top of the order gives a lot of solidity to the side. While they might not be a flashy pair like Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, they are way more consistent and contenders for the Orange Cap. With Jos Buttler coming in at No. 3, the Titans have one of the most reliable top three in the league.

A potent pace attack is another strong area for the Titans this coming season. The experience and Siraj and Holder will meet the fierceness of Prasidh Krishna and Ashok Sharma. Kagiso Rabada has not been at his best in T20 cricket in recent years and there is the option of adding Holder, who can reinforce the batting. Luke Wood can also be a good option, adding variety to the side with his left-arm angle.

Weaknesses

Gujarat Titans' weakness could once again be there middle-order. Last year, Sherfane Rutherford did an excellent job for them while batting at No. 4. However, the Caribbean star was surprisingly traded to Mumbai Indians ahead of the mini-auction. Gujarat have the option of trying Glenn Phillips or Tom Banton at No. 4. However, consistency could be an issue for the two flamboyant batters.

In the finisher's role, Rahul Tewatia would have to take a lot of responsibility. While Rashid Khan can tonk the ball, he blows hot and cold with the bat. If Shahrukh Khan has a strong season, it would bode well for Gujarat.

Opportunities

IPL 2026 will be an opportunity for Shubman Gill to stamp his authority as a T20 batter. He has done well consistently over the last few seasons in the league. However, he has not been able to carry that success into the shortest format in international cricket. After being snubbed from India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, don't be surprised if the Punjab batter comes out with a much more positive intent compared to previous seasons. 

Threats

Rashid Khan's form has been a major concern in the last two seasons in the IPL. In the SA20 2025-26, the Afghanistan spinner has picked up only six wickets from the first eight matches at a paltry average of 35.66. IPL 2026 could be a litmus test for the Titans' vice-captain. Last season in the IPL, his economy rate was an abysmal 9.35 and he bagged just nine wickets from 15 matches.

There is also an over-reliance on key players at Gujarat Titans. The others will have to chip in as well. Sudharsan's rib injury, which ruled him out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, will also worry the Titans' supporters.

Gujarat Titans squad for IPL 2026

Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Jos Buttler, Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Arshad Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Rashid Khan, Manav Suthar, Sai Kishore, Jayant Yadav, Glenn Phillips, Jason Holder, Ashok Sharma, Luke Wood, Prithvi Raj Yarra, Tom Banton.