Finally, the Gujarat Titans (GT) are ready to give Washington Sundar the recognition he truly deserves. After not utilizing him properly during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the one-time champions are set to include Washington in their core lineup and secure him a permanent batting spot. As reported by the Times of India, GT's captain Shubman Gill and head coach Ashish Nehra plan to keep their core group mostly intact, with Washington being the only addition. After acquiring the all-rounder for a mere 3.20 crore, GT didn’t make the most of his talents, allowing him just five batting opportunities and a scant 65 deliveries with the ball. However, Washington has made it clear in recent months that GT missed a trick. He’s been on fire for Team India across formats, showcasing his skills with both bat and ball. Even before his explosive 23-ball 49 against Australia in Hobart, Nehra had already made up his mind to keep Washington on board. Also Read | IPL 2026 Retention Rules, Deadline, and How to Watch Live Updates This is why GT opted not to trade him to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as a potential replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Washington batting at number 4 next season, especially since he played in that position during his five innings last year, boasting an impressive strike rate of 166.25. Gujarat Titans set to retain Glenn Phillips On the retention front, GT isn’t expected to let go of many players. With Sherfane Rutherford already traded to the Mumbai Indians (MI), they’ll be on the lookout for a middle-order batter in the IPL 2026 auction. Most of their pacers are likely to stay, and any releases will probably involve uncapped Indian players. Lastly, GT will hold onto Glenn Phillips. The New Zealand all-rounder faced an injury last season, but at INR 2 crore, he’s still a valuable asset. For now, they’re sticking with him. GT squad ahead of IPL 2026 retention cutoff Shubman Gill (c) (₹16.50 cr), Sai Sudharsan (₹8.50 cr), Jos Buttler (₹15.75 cr), Shahrukh Khan (₹4 cr), Rashid Khan (₹18 cr), Rahul Tewatia (₹4 cr), Washington Sundar (₹3.20 cr), Glenn Phillips (₹2 cr), Mahipal Lomror (₹1.70 cr), Karim Janat (₹75 lakh), Nishant Sindhu (₹30 lakh), Sai Kishore (₹2 cr), Jayant Yadav (₹75 lakh), Kagiso Rabada (₹10.75 cr), Mohammed Siraj (₹12.25 cr), Prasidh Krishna (₹9.50 cr), Gerald Coetzee (₹2.40 cr), Ishant Sharma (₹75 lakh), Kulwant Khejroliya (₹30 lakh), Manav Suthar (₹30 lakh), Arshad Khan (₹1.30 cr), Gurnoor Brar (₹1.30 cr), Kumar Kushagra (₹65 lakh), Anuj Rawat (₹30 lakh).