Jason Holder Or Glenn Phillips? Gujarat Titans' Best Playing XI For IPL 2026

Gujarat Titans Strongest XI For IPL 2026 [Source: @Ashsay_/X.com]

Gujarat Titans, having tasted title victory in their debut season, will be eager for their next success in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. They will begin their campaign against the Punjab Kings on March 31 at the Mullanpur Stadium.

The Titans made some strategic changes to their squad during the mini-auction, such as buying Jason Holder and Tom Banton. Also, they traded Sherfane Rutherford to the Mumbai Indians.

Regardless, GT had a settled core, which they didn’t mess up, and will head into the IPL 2026 season with the same combination but with a few changes.

On that note, let’s look at the Gujarat Titans’ strongest playing XI for the IPL 2026 season.

Best Gujarat Titans playing XI for IPL 2026

Top-Order - Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler

The majority of the Gujarat Titans’ overall strength lies in their top order, which features giants like Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler. Skipper Gill will continue to open with Sai Sudharsan as the pair has achieved success together in the past.

In just 33 matches, Gill and Sai have scored 2058 runs together with a 64.31 average and the highest partnership of 210 runs. Hence, this opening pair is lethal and won’t be changed in any given scenario.

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At no. 3 is Jos Buttler, one of the premier batters in world cricket. Last season with GT, he scored 538 runs at 59.77 average, mostly at no. 3. 

So, even if the openers have an off day, the Titans can rely on Buttler to rebuild the innings and also maximise the powerplay with his explosive hitting skills.

It’s safe to say these three will set the tone of GT’s innings throughout the season. When they fire, the Titans’ winning odds automatically increase. 

Middle-Order - Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia

Gujarat Titans have a strong middle-order this year. Glenn Phillips is expected to bat at no. 4 to tackle the middle overs. Washington Sundar has also improved a lot in his batting. He can spin well, which will encourage GT management to promote him to no. 5.

For the power-hitting roles, GT will continue to bank on Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia. Both finishers struggled to get going in IPL 2025. Regardless, the Titans backed the duo for another season, and hence, they’re most likely to be slotted at no. 6 and 7, depending on the situation.

Bowlers - Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

In what could be a crucial call, the Gujarat Titans should opt for Jason Holder over Kagiso Rabada in the strongest Gujarat Titans Playing XI for IPL 2026. Holder gives them an edge with his all-round skills.

In case Tewatia or Shahrukh misfires, Holder can step up as a finisher. Of course, the void of Rabada with the new ball will be felt, but the upsides of having Jason Holder as an all-rounder might just overrule any doubts.

Next is GT’s trump card, Rashid Khan. While the star spinner had an off-season last year, his deceptive spin variations and supreme talent to chip in wickets at any point in the game are something the Titans value deeply. So, Rashid will lead the spin attack in IPL 2026.

Hence, Holder is expected to play at no. 8. As for pacers, Mohammad Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are expected to start for GT. Last year, Siraj fetched 16 wickets while Krishna chipped in with 25 wickets. This duo will lead GT’s bowling attack in the Gujarat Titans Playing XI. 

Impact Player: Sai Kishore

To support Rashid Khan in the spin attack, GT must use Sai Kishore as an impact player. Kishore had an amazing season in 2025, picking 19 wickets in 15 games at 20.68 average. When paired with Rashid, Sai Kishore can do wonders for GT in the middle-overs.

Strongest Gujarat Titans Playing XI For IPL 2026- Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Sai Kishore (Impact Player)

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