India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill might have lost his place in the T20I side, but he remains one of the key pillars of the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Shubman Gill is expected to lead the batting charge for the franchise in the upcoming IPL 2026.
While all focus will be on Gill, we predicted that the three players who could be key contributors to the Gujarat team’s success this season are. GT’s 2025 season ended in the eliminator, but now they are keen on making a strong impression with a balanced and more confident lineup.
3 players could power GT to IPL 2026 glory
As the Gujarat Titans are set to begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the Punjab Kings on March 31 in New Chandigarh, Sai Sudharsan, Rashid Khan, and Prasidh Krishan can be the X-factors who can propel the franchise to their second title this year.
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Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan has become the backbone of GT’s batting. Last season, he won the Orange Cap for being the leading run-scorer (759 runs) in the tournament. Sai’s calm approach, ability to play long innings, and holding one end make him an irreplaceable player for the franchise.
His left-handed batting also offers the Gujarat Titans the opportunity to have a left-right opening pair with Gill. He is also a big-match player. Sai has over 1700 runs in 40 IPL matches to his name so far.
Rashid Khan
Afghanistan’s spin wizard and captain, Rashid Khan, may not have had his best season last year, but everyone knows what he is capable of. He is still one of the most dangerous spinners in T20 cricket.
The leg-spinner is the go-to player when the team needs a breakthrough. His googlies are very hard to read, and he bowls at a quick pace, which makes it difficult for batters to attack him. The wicket-taking spinner has become a dangerous finisher who can hit big sixes and turn the match in no time.
Rashid is one of the all-time successful spinners in the IPL, with 158 wickets in 136 matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.09. Now, he would be keen to make a significant impact for GT.
Prasidh Krishna
Prasidh Krishna has become the leader of GT’s fast bowling attack. The Indian pacer won the Purple Cap for being the highest wicket-taker with 25 wickets in the last season. He was especially dangerous in the death overs, picking up the most wickets in that phase.
He bowls with good pace and hits hard lengths, which makes it tough for batters to attack him. He is their main strike weapon in the league. With Mohammed Siraj, he forms a strong fast-bowling attack for the Gujarat Titans. Both bowls above 145 kmph will be key assets in the upcoming IPL 2026.
Krishna has so far played 32 matches and scalped 74 wickets in 66 IPL matches at an average of 29.61 and an economy rate of 8.77 so far. The GT are expecting the same kind of performance he delivered last season with the ball as they aim for their second IPL trophy this season.
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