GT Hope for Star Players and Middle Order to Fire in IPL 2026
Gujarat Titans (GT) are gearing up for a massive IPL 2026 season. After finishing 3rd last year, the team’s success this time will depend entirely on how their middle order performs. While the top order has been world-class, it is the middle order that has often been the Achilles’ heel for the Titans.
As we gear up for the season opener, here is everything you need to know about the new-look GT squad.
The Big Middle Order Challenge
Statistically, GT has struggled with its middle order (positions 4 to 7) since 2024. In the previous two seasons, they were at the bottom of the table for runs scored by the middle order. Filling the Hardik-shaped hole in the middle order remains the biggest priority for captain Shubman Gill and the management.
To fix this middle order crisis, GT has brought in fresh firepower. The inclusion of Glenn Phillips and Tom Banton is a clear signal that they want a more aggressive middle order. Phillips, specifically, is a huge boost for the middle order as he averages 41 with a strike rate of 148+ since 2025.
Key Players to Watch in the Middle Order
For GT to lift the trophy again, these middle order stalwarts must fire:
Glenn Phillips/Tom Banton: One of them will anchor at No. 4, providing much-needed stability.
M Shahrukh Khan: Expected to bring the “X-factor” to the middle order with his power-hitting.
Rahul Tewatia: The veteran finisher who defines GT’s middle order resilience in pressure situations.
Internal Insight: As we saw in the recent aus w vs wi w series, having a reliable Team is the difference between a winning total and a mediocre one.
The Star Power: Can the Leaders Deliver?
Gujarat Titans have always relied on their big guns to set the tone. Whether it’s the explosive opening starts or the death-over clinical finishes, the star players hold the key.
Shubman Gill: The captain needs to lead from the front. His form will dictate how GT fares in the powerplay.
Rashid Khan: The wizard remains GT’s biggest weapon. His ability to choke runs in the middle overs is legendary.
However, with the recent IPL 2026 Injury List creating chaos for many teams, GT’s medical staff is working overtime to ensure their core remains fit.
What’s New in the GT Camp?
The biggest change this year is in the coaching staff and the overseas middle-order slots.
New Coaches: Legendary Australian opener Matthew Hayden joins as the batting coach, while Vijay Dahiya takes over as the assistant coach.
The Big Swap: Sherfane Rutherford is out, and GT has secured the services of Tom Banton and Glenn Phillips. Phillips is expected to be the preferred starter due to his off-spin and 148+ strike rate since 2025.
The 7-Crore Man: GT splashed big on Jason Holder, who took a record 97 T20 wickets in 2025.
The Stats: Top Order Heroics vs Middle Order Blues
The contrast in GT’s performance is staggering.
The Unreal Top Three: Last year, Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan (Orange Cap winner), and Jos Buttler combined for 1967 runs—accounting for 72.54% of GT’s total runs!
The Middle Order Crisis: Since 2024, GT has been at the bottom of the table for runs scored between Nos. 4 to 7. They are clearly missing the balance Hardik Pandya once provided
just like we discussed in the aus w vs wi w report, momentum in the middle overs is what wins tournaments. GT needs Banton or Phillips to step up.
Concerns & “Watch Out” Factors
Form of the Captain: Shubman Gill has recently slid out of India’s T20I side. Can he bounce back and score 400+ runs for the 7th consecutive season?
Buttler’s Slump: Jos Buttler averaged just 20.4 in early 2026. GT needs the “Universe Boss” version of Buttler to show up.
The Rashid Mystery: Last season was Rashid Khan’s worst (Avg 57.11). If Rashid doesn’t find his magic, GT’s bowling might struggle in the middle overs.
For more on how star players are dealing with form and fitness, check out our IPL 2026 Injury List.
GT Likely Best XII for IPL 2026
Shubman Gill (C)
B Sai Sudharsan
Jos Buttler* (WK)
Glenn Phillips / Tom Banton**
Washington Sundar
M Shahrukh Khan
Rahul Tewatia
Rashid Khan
Jason Holder / Kagiso Rabada**
R Sai Kishore
Prasidh Krishna
Mohammed Siraj
Conclusion: Will the Middle Order Deliver?
The strategy for Gujarat Titans is clear: optimize the middle order to match the brilliance of the top order. If the middle order can find its rhythm early in the tournament, GT will be unstoppable.
The battle for the middle order slots between Banton and Phillips will be the one to watch. For more deep-dives into team strategies and stories like Jadeja falling to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, keep following The Cricket Show.
