IPL: 3 Changes GT Needs to Make to Win IPL 2026

Gujarat Titans (GT) were knocked out in the Eliminator of IPL 2025 after losing to Mumbai Indians (MI). At one stage during the league phase, GT looked settled at the top of the table and were strong contenders for a spot in Qualifier 1. 

However, two back-to-back defeats in their last two league games pushed them down to third place, and they ended the season with 18 points from 14 matches, with a net run rate of +0.254. Their exit in the Eliminator meant GT finished IPL 2025 with three consecutive losses — a clear sign that certain areas need improvement going into the 2026 season.

Here are the three changes GT needs to make to win IPL 2026:

Strengthening the Middle-Order Batting

GT heavily relied on their top-order trio of Sai Sudharsan, captain Shubman Gill, and wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler. These three batters scored the bulk of the runs during the league stage. However, Buttler was unavailable during the playoffs due to international commitments with England, and the middle-order batters failed to step up when it mattered.

The lack of contribution from the middle order in the crunch games proved costly. For IPL 2026, GT must focus on building a more dependable middle order that can take responsibility. Without strengthening this segment, they risk repeating the same mistakes.

Improving the Bowling Unit’s Effectiveness

While Prasidh Krishna won the Purple Cap with 25 wickets and Sai Kishore impressed with 19 wickets (finishing sixth on the wicket-takers list), the rest of GT's bowling unit underperformed. Experienced bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Rashid Khan failed to show consistency throughout the season, which surprised many fans.

In their final three matches, GT’s bowlers conceded 228, 230, and 235 runs while bowling first. This lack of control and penetration at crucial moments underlined the need for a better collective bowling performance. Heading into the next season, GT must work on improving the overall effectiveness and consistency of their bowling attack.

Finding a Proven Finisher

GT seemed to rely on Rahul Tewatia for the finisher’s role, given his past heroics. While he has delivered in patches, there was no consistent, proven presence to finish games in tight situations. Gerald Coetzee, though a handy hitter, is primarily a bowling all-rounder and shouldn't be counted as a full-time finishing option.

What GT needs is a designated finisher — whether Indian or overseas — who can take the game deep and close out matches under pressure. Securing such a player in the next auction or through trades could make a significant difference to their title chances.

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