Gujarat Titans defy trends with 1.60 win-loss ratio in IPL 2026

Gujarat Titans maintain IPL’s best win-loss ratio since 2022 despite minimal sixes and slow run rates.

GT's IPL journey since 2022 Since joining the IPL in 2022, Gujarat Titans have achieved an unmatched win-loss ratio of 1.6 wins for every loss. Over four seasons, they have claimed the title once, narrowly missed another by a single delivery, topped the standings twice, and finished third once. Despite ranking fourth in six-hitting and fourth-slowest in batting pace, their consistency remains unparalleled. ## Challenging traditional IPL giants The IPL is witnessing a shift where established franchises are being outperformed by emerging teams that prioritize young Indian batters capable of redefining T20 power hitting. Gujarat Titans' ability to secure third place in the 2025 standings while remaining in the top four in 2026 highlights their unique standing in this evolving landscape. ## GT's steady batting philosophy Gujarat Titans have not integrated the new wave of aggressive young hitters into their squad over the past four years, instead choosing to reinforce their bowling unit. Their approach relies on accumulating boundaries rather than sixes, with top-order batters Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan avoiding high-risk aerial shots in the powerplay. In the last campaign, Gill and Sudharsan played only 14% and 11% of deliveries in the air against good and hard lengths respectively, while Gill maintained a control rate of 77% against such deliveries. ## Strike rates and bowling depth Despite minimal aerial aggression, Gujarat Titans' batters maintained impressive strike rates last season—Gill at 155 and Sudharsan at 147—demonstrating their technical proficiency. The team's batting depth, however, remains a concern, evidenced by Rashid Khan frequently batting at number seven, which limits high-risk shot selection. While conservative play can be a strategic choice, it carries risks in modern T20 cricket, especially with rules like the Impact Player and flat pitches favoring aggressive approaches. ## Bowling strategy and recruitment Gujarat Titans' bowling strategy depends on seasoned Test-quality fast bowlers who excel at delivering consistent good lengths. The team replaced Mohammed Shami with Mohammed Siraj, secured Kagiso Rabada, and included Prasidh Krishna and Rashid Khan, all of whom are integral to their attack. The squad also features Ashok Sharma, who regularly bowls over 150 kilometers per hour. Their collective ability to extract movement off the pitch has kept their bowling average among the best in the last five seasons. ## Powerplay dominance in action Gujarat Titans' bowling approach was on full display in their recent victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. Shubman Gill observed variable bounce and instructed Siraj and Rabada to target the powerplay with good-length deliveries, leveraging seam movement to reduce KKR to 37 for 3 within six overs. Few teams manage to recover from such early setbacks. ## Signs of tactical evolution A slight shift in Shubman Gill’s approach was noticeable, particularly as he attempted six aerial shots in the powerplay—a marked increase from his recent norm. In fact, this was only the second instance in four years where he had played more than six aerial shots in the powerplay, with the last being their previous match. This adjustment signals a recognition of changing demands, though it remains within Gujarat Titans’ established framework. The team is also banking on Glenn Phillips to compensate for Sherfane Rutherford’s absence and using Washington Sundar to bolster batting depth. ## Room for improvement after shaky chase Gujarat Titans will reflect on a missed opportunity after failing to capitalize on a strong start in their recent chase, particularly against a bottom-placed opponent. Their impending fixtures against stronger teams will test their adaptability. It remains to be seen how much their batting approach will evolve from their long-standing conservative style and how the league’s most consistent team over five years will fare amid rapid changes in T20 cricket.