The IPL 2026 season is set to begin on March 28, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how every team performs. The defending champions, RCB, will open the tournament against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
GT retained several key names, including Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler and pacer Kagiso Rabada. However, the team also made a few smart additions at the auction, with West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder their most expensive purchase at ₹7 crore.
While experienced players will play a crucial role, uncapped talents could also make a big impact this season. Here are three uncapped players in the Gujarat Titans squad who have the potential to become breakout stars in IPL 2026.
Gujarat Titans' Uncapped Stars in focus for IPL 2026
1. Kumar Kushagra
Young wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra is one of the most exciting uncapped players in the Gujarat Titans squad this season. The Jharkhand cricketer has been in exceptional form in domestic cricket and is seen as a potential game-changer.
Kumar Kushagra played a key role in helping Jharkhand win their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in the 2025–26 season. He scored 422 runs in 10 matches at an average of 60.29 and a strike rate of 161.69.
He also delivered solid performances in the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season, scoring 572 runs in 12 innings at an average of 47.67. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, he continued his good form with 368 runs in six innings at an average of 73.60.
Interestingly, Kumar Kushagra was earlier bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹7.2 crore ahead of IPL 2024, but he struggled to make an impact, scoring just 3 runs in 3 innings.
The Gujarat Titans acquired him for ₹65 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction. Although he did not play last season, the franchise retained him for IPL 2026.
Right-arm pacer Ashok Sharma is another uncapped player who could make headlines this season. He began his IPL journey as a net bowler for Rajasthan Royals before being picked up by KKR for ₹55 lakh in 2022. However, he did not get an opportunity to play a match during that stint.
Ashok Sharma later returned to Rajasthan Royals, who bought him for ₹30 lakh at the IPL 2025 mega auction. Once again, he remained on the bench but continued to impress in domestic cricket.
Ahead of IPL 2026, the Gujarat Titans signed him for ₹90 lakh. In the 2025 edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Ashok Sharma was the leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets in just 10 matches at an average of 10.00 and an economy of 9.26.
He also performed well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, taking 13 wickets in seven innings with an economy rate of 6.69.
With GT already having strong pacers like Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Prasidh Krishna, Ashok might initially be used as an Impact Player. However, his ability to bowl hard lengths and generate pace could make him a surprise weapon for the team.
Criterion
Data
Innings
10
Wickets
22
Economy
9.26
Strike-Rate
10.00
(Ashok Sharma's SMAT Elite T20 2025 stats)
3. Nishant Sindhu
Young all-rounder Nishant Sindhu is another promising uncapped player in the Gujarat Titans squad. He was previously signed by CSK for ₹60 lakh but did not get an opportunity to play during his two seasons with the franchise.
Ahead of IPL 2025, the GT acquired Nishant Sindhu for ₹30 lakh and later retained him for the 2026 season.
His recent domestic performances have been impressive. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, Sindhu scored 303 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 166.48 and an average of 33.67. With the ball, he also contributed by picking up four wickets in five innings with an economy rate of 7.07.
Nishant Sindhu's ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable squad player. In a team that already has several all-rounders like Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan, he could be used as a flexible Impact Player.
Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 (Source: AFP)
