Gujarat Titans will not make a major shake-up in the upcoming IPL 2026 auction. However, something is brewing between Washington Sundar and Gujarat Titans ahead of the retentions.
With the IPL 2026 auction set to take place next month in Abu Dhabi, the Gujarat Titans have made it clear that they want to keep their core intact and avoid unnecessary changes. GT captain Shubman Gill and head coach Ashish Nehra agreed that the team already has the balance it needs and only key improvements are planned.
Gujarat Titans back their core and give Washington Sundar a bigger role in IPL 2026
The biggest development within the GT camp is the rise of Washington Sundar. The Titans team management has decided to give the 26-year-old versatile player a much bigger role starting next season. They have decided to play Sundar regularly at No. 4 in IPL 2026.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Also Read: RCB loses biggest bracket in IPL, set to exit.
Sundar got just six matches last season despite the franchise purchasing the Indian all-rounder for ₹3.2 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. The Impact Player rule hurt Washington Sundar’s chances in all teams for three consecutive years, often keeping him off the field.
Between IPL 2023 and 2024 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sundar played only nine matches. But everything has changed in recent months. His stock has risen rapidly and he is now considered one of the few Indian players who can earn a place in all three formats purely through his batting or bowling. Sundar’s recent performances have propelled him into a new category.
GT blocks CSK’s all-cash trade move after Washington Sundar becomes rare for India
The Indian all-rounder played all the ODIs during the Australia tour and made significant breakthroughs. But it was Washington Sundar’s explosive, unbeaten 49 balls in the Hobart T20I that truly stunned everyone and showed the firepower he possesses with the bat.
The Indian cricket team management now considers Sundar among the few automatic picks in all three formats of the game. Recognizing this value, Gujarat Titans quickly ended Chennai Super Kings’ swap attempt for him, even though CSK reportedly offered an all-cash deal.
With Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler forming a strong and stable top three, Sundar coming in at No. 4 could finally solve GT’s long-standing middle-order problem. The GTs may not be making noise at the IPL 2026 bidding table, but their internal strategy points to a bold and confident plan for the next edition of the tournament.
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir’s Sai Sudharsan’s Decision Allows Him To Lose His Biggest Confidant
Mumbai Indians bring back Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans for IPL 2026
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians made one of the most exciting moves of the pre-IPL 2026 window by bringing back West Indies power hitter Sherfane Rutherford into their camp.
The explosive all-rounder has been officially traded by the Gujarat Titans, and he will join the Mumbai Indians at the same price of INR 2.6 crores that GT paid for him in the mega auction.
The 27-year-old has already played 44 T20Is for the West Indies and is known for turning matches around with his fearless hitting. In the IPL, Rutherford has played 23 matches so far. He represented Delhi Capitals in 2019 and then joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2022.
The West Indies star was previously part of Mumbai Indians in 2020 and later joined Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 and then GTs in 2025.
