5 Squad Gaps They Need to Address- IPL

Gujarat Titans IPL 2027: 5 Squad Gaps They Need to Address

Gujarat Titans (GT) will look to make some important changes before IPL 2027 after finishing second in the IPL 2026 league table. GT collected 18 points from 14 matches and qualified for the playoffs.

GT already have a strong squad with players such as captain Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. However, the team could still improve its balance before IPL 2027.

GT had retained 20 players before the IPL 2026 auction and then added five players, Jason Holder, Tom Banton, Ashok Sharma, Luke Wood and Prithvi Raj Yarra.

GT Current Squad

Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Shahrukh Khan, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Tom Banton, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Jason Holder, Nishant Sindhu, Jayant Yadav, Manav Suthar, Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma, Gurnoor Brar, Arshad Khan, Ashok Sharma, Luke Wood, Prithvi Raj Yarra. 

1. Another Indian Opening Option

GT have a strong opening combination in Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. Both players are important to the team’s batting plans.

However, GT could still look for another experienced Indian opener for IPL 2027.

A backup opener would give the team more flexibility if Gill or Sudharsan is unavailable. It would also allow GT to change their batting combination depending on the opposition and pitch conditions.

2. Another Indian Fast Bowler

GT already have Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma, Arshad Khan, Gurnoor Brar and Ashok Sharma.

The team also have overseas pace options such as Kagiso Rabada and Luke Wood.

Still, GT could target another proven Indian fast bowler. Having an additional domestic pacer would give the team more options during the powerplay and death overs.

3. A Reliable Middle-Order Finisher

GT have several experienced players in their middle order, including Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips and Jason Holder.

However, the team could benefit from another specialist finisher.

A batter who can consistently score quickly in the final five overs would give GT more depth and reduce pressure on Gill, Sudharsan and Buttler.

4. Stronger Spin Backup

Rashid Khan remains one of GT’s biggest bowling options. The team also have Sai Kishore, Manav Suthar and Jayant Yadav.

However, GT could add another attacking spinner before IPL 2027.

A quality backup would be useful if Rashid is unavailable. It would also give GT another option on slow and spin-friendly pitches.

5. More Experienced Bench Strength

GT have a good mix of established stars and young players. However, some areas of the squad could use more experienced backup options.

The franchise could look for players who can immediately step into the XI when regular starters are unavailable.

More experienced bench strength would also give the captain and team management greater flexibility during a long IPL season.

GT’s Biggest Strength

GT have a strong top-order combination. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan provide a solid opening partnership, while Jos Buttler adds experience and power at the top. The official GT squad also includes Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar and Jason Holder. 

The bowling unit also has several quality options, with Siraj, Prasidh, Rabada, Rashid and Sai Kishore giving the team variety.

Therefore, GT do not need a complete rebuild. Their main focus could be on adding depth and backup options.

GT’s Main Areas to Improve

Area Current Options Possible Requirement
Opening Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan Another experienced opener
Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, Anuj Rawat, Kumar Kushagra, Tom Banton Stronger backup
Middle order Shahrukh Khan, Tewatia, Washington, Phillips Another finisher
Spin Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Manav Suthar, Jayant Yadav Another attacking spinner
Indian pace Siraj, Prasidh, Ishant, Arshad, Ashok Sharma Another proven pacer
Overseas pace Rabada, Luke Wood Good depth
All-rounders Washington, Tewatia, Phillips, Holder Strong options
Bench strength Several young players More experienced backups

Possible GT Playing XI for IPL 2027

Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

Impact Player: Another Indian fast bowler

 

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