Aakash Chopra opens up on Gujarat Titans’ potential targets in IPL 2026 auction

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has shed light on the Gujarat Titans’ potential targets in the Indian Premier League 2026 mini auction. Chopra said Quinton de Kock can replace Jos Buttler in the Gujarat Titans’ playing XI.

GT has a remaining purse of INR 12.90 crore ahead of the auction. GT can at most rope in five players, including four foreign players, in the auction.

Meanwhile, Quinton de Kock recently scored a fine century in the third ODI against India at Vizag, but he was dismissed cheaply in the opening T20I at Cuttack.

“They need only backups. They have Jos Buttler, Glenn Phillips, Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada. Only four overseas play, and they have all four. They don’t need anyone else. However, they need backups for every slot,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“They will need a keeper backup, and I won’t be surprised if they take Quinton de Kock, or else there is an Afghanistan connection here. Rahmanullah Gurbaz will come in the auction, although his recent form hasn’t been good at all. So maybe not, but Quinton de Kock could be in their sights. He can play in place of Jos Buttler if required,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chopra reckons the Gujarat Titans will look to buy back David Miller in the auction after releasing Sherfane Rutherford. 

“In the middle order, since they have let Sherfane Rutherford go and are left with only Glenn Phillips, they might actually go for David Miller again. He used to play for this team only. They have won the championship with him. They don’t have a lot of money, but they will have to strengthen the middle order,” he said. 

The renowned commentator said GT might look to get Anrich Nortje as a backup for Kagiso Rabada.

“They will need a backup for Kagiso Rabada. If they get a chance, they will take Anrich Nortje. They might make Anrich Nortje a part of their team. If they don’t get him, Jacob Duffy or someone else might come. Gerald Coetzee could be an option. Lungi Ngidi could be an option. It could be Ben Dwarshuis as well,” Chopra observed.

The IPL 2026 auction is all set to take center stage on December 16, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.