5 Players Gujarat Titans Can Release Ahead Of IPL 2026 Auctions | Cricket News

Rashid Khan had a below-average season in IPL 2025 (Picture credit: AP)

IPL 2022 champions Gujarat Titans were on the verge of playing Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025 before they faced the Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator and were eliminated. After not being able to win their second title, Gujarat would look to add some new faces to the team, just to fill the necessary gaps.

To bring in fresh talent and free up funds, Gujarat will need to release a few cricketers from their 2025 team. However, after finishing third in the league stage, the management might not make major changes to the lineup.

Here’s a look at five players the Gujarat Titans can release ahead of the IPL 2026 auctions:

Rashid Khan: As big a decision as that might be, the star Afghanistan spinner didn’t give a good account of himself in IPL 2025. He scored 40 runs in eight matches at an average of eight and managed to pick just nine wickets. He was retained by Gujarat for Rs 18 crore ahead of the mega auction and it needs to be seen if the management opts for his form or class.

Gerald Coetzee: The South African pacer picked up two wickets in four matches at an economy of 10.91 in IPL 2025. He was picked up for Rs 2.4 crore at the auction and releasing him will ensure Gujarat have that considerable amount in their purse going into the mini auction.

Kagiso Rabada: Coetzee’s compatriot had the same figures as him in IPL 2025 and the economy was even higher at 11.57. He was picked up for a whopping Rs 10.75 crore at the auction and one would think that was an exorbitant price given that his returns were minimal.

Arshad Khan: The Madhya Pradesh medium-pacer picked up six wickets in nine matches at an economy of 10.33. He was bought for just Rs 1.3 crore, but if Gujarat need a similar bowler for the upcoming season, they can release him and search for more consistent options.

Rahul Tewatia: The star allrounder scored 99 runs in 12 matches at a dismal average of 12.37 and didn’t bowl even once throughout the tournament. He was retained for Rs 4 crore ahead of the mega auction and might as well be released to pick up other players in the fray.

Other players GT can release: Kusal Mendis, Washington Sundar, Sherfane Rutherford