5 players GT might release ahead of IPL 2026 auction

They made it to the finale once again in 2023, but lost to Chennai Super Kings by a narrow margin. Since then, the Ahmedabad-based franchise’s campaigns haven’t been as impressive.

With the IPL 2026 mini-auction around the corner, the Shubman Gill-led side might consider releasing some players to strengthen their squad. This will also allow them to handpick fresh talents and potentially better names at an effective cost, helping them win their second title. As a result, CricTracker thinks it is a good time to highlight five players that GT might not consider retaining ahead of the 2026 auctions.

5 players GT might release ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Rahul Tewatia

Rahul Tewatia could be a potential release for GT, as he had limited opportunities to make an impact. He played 12 innings and scored just 99 runs, mostly during the death overs, which gave him very few deliveries to settle in and build an innings. Retained for INR 4 crore in the 2025 mega auction, Tewatia’s contribution relative to his price tag was minimal,

The case that is making him a possible candidate for release is that GT relied heavily on their top-order in the previous season, and Tewatia hardly got any sizeable amount of time in the middle. However, he did not bowl as well, putting question marks on GT’s plans to use him as an all-rounder. Therefore, he may not get retained into the set-up for the 2026 season.

Kagiso Rabada

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada might also be released. He appeared in only four matches and picked up just two wickets, failing to make a significant impact compared to his previous IPL seasons. A drug abuse case forced him to return to South Africa in the middle of the tournament, as GT missed his services very badly.

However, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna performing consistently and picking wickets when needed, Rabada’s value to the squad may be considered limited. Another option for bagging Rabada could be releasing him and buying him later from the auction pool.

Karim Janat

Afghanistan all-rounder Karim Janat played just one match for GT in IPL 2025, and his performance was not impactful, conceding runs without making a significant contribution with the bat. While he went for plenty of runs with the ball, he also did not impress anyone enough to give him another chance into the playing combination.

The player’s inconsistent international form further adds to concerns, which might push GT to release him and explore better overseas all-round options. There are a few more pace-bowling all-rounders, who are currently in the reckoning, and the GT owners will be keeping a keen eye on certain potential replacements for the Afghanistan international in the squad.

Ishant Sharma

Veteran Indian pacer Ishant Sharma played seven matches and picked four wickets in IPL 2025. While there is no doubt that he has been a veteran of the cash-rich tournament, and has been playing since the very early years of the event, however, it is also a truth that the New Delhi-born isn’t getting any younger at 36 years of age.

The age and fitness concerns made the legendary pacer struggle to maintain intensity throughout games, and was rested midway in several matches, although it could also be a tactical approach. Nonetheless, the Gujarat-based team may consider releasing him and giving more opportunities to younger pacers who can bring energy and longevity to the bowling attack.

Gerald Coetzee

South African pacer Gerald Coetzee played four matches and took two wickets. Although he brings an immense amount of promise to the table, his performances in the IPL and other domestic and franchise cricket leagues have been below expectations.

Moreover, the pace-bowling all-rounder has also had a history of injuries, that further weaken his case for retention. The Titans may be willing to replace him with a more consistent and experienced overseas pacer to strengthen the bowling department.