IPL 2026 mini auction: Released players Gujarat Titans could target to be back as title contenders

Shubman Gill & Liam Livingstone (Source: AFP Photos)

The Gujarat Titans (GT) have confirmed their list of retained and released players ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. All IPL teams have already submitted their final lists to the BCCI on November 15, 2025. Talking about the Gujarat Titans, after a strong run through most of the IPL 2025 season, GT slipped in the final week and were knocked out by MI in the Eliminator. Now, ahead of the upcoming season, the franchise will want to rebuild the team. 

It is important to mention that GT, led by Shubman Gill, retained 19 players, including seven overseas names. However, they also released a few players and traded Sherfane Rutherford to the Mumbai Indians, leaving important gaps to fill.

The team has five slots to fill, including four overseas positions, and a remaining purse of ₹12.9 crore, which is one of the lowest among all franchises. This means GT will have to operate smartly in the upcoming mini-auction. Having said this, in this article, let's take a look a the released players that GT can target in IPL 2026 mini-auction. 

1. David Miller

• It is important to note that GT has traded Sherfane Rutherford to MI, and this move has for sure created a vacuum in the middle order. So to fill in this void, GT need a strong middle power-hitting player who can control the second half of the innings. One player they can target is David Miller (released by LSG). It is vital to note that Miller has earlier played for GT from 2022 to 2024.
• In these three years, David Miller made 950 runs at a strike rate of 145.25 in 38 innings. In IPL 2025 with LSG, he scored 153 runs from 11 matches at a strike rate of 127.49. 

(David Miller's stats for GT from 2022 to 2024)

• GT's top order (Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Buttler) is already stable, but the middle order and finishing department need attention, and it would not be wrong to say that David Miller can fill this void for the franchise.

2. Spencer Johnson

• GT also needs an overseas fast bowler after releasing Gerald Coetzee ahead of IPL 2026. Last season, the team struggled with death bowling despite having big names like Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna and Ishant Sharma. 
• An additional overseas quick could add much-needed depth and variety. One player that GT can target is Spencer Johnson, who brings pace, bounce, and effective death-over control. 
• Spencer Johnson (released by KKR) availability now opens the door for GT to secure a bowler who can 'hit the deck hard' and deliver in high-pressure overs.

Liam Livingstone

• The Gujarat Titans also released Karim Janat ahead of IPL 2026. However, it is important to note that the 27-year-old player just played one match for GT last year.
• The third area that GT need to focus on is getting a versatile batting all-rounder, someone who can finish games and offer a few handy overs. The best available option in this category is England’s Liam Livingstone, released by RCB ahead of the auction. Livingstone offers big hitting, useful spin bowling and flexibility to bat at No. 4 or No. 5. 

(Liam Livingstone's stats at No.5 in IPL 2025 for RCB)

• In IPL 2025, Liam Livingstone scored 108 runs in six innings at No. 5, at the strike-rate of 140.26. GT have lacked a dependable lower middle-order all-rounder, and Livingstone fits exactly what the franchise needs.

What to expect from GT at the auction

With only ₹12.9 crore in their purse, GT will need to be selective. Their priorities need to be clear and firm and they will need to invest in a finisher, an overseas fast bowler and a batting all-rounder.

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