IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans pick left-arm pacer to replace injured Prithviraj Yarra

NEW DELHI – Gujarat Titans have moved swiftly ahead of IPL 2026, drafting left-arm quick Kulwant Khejroliya to cover for the injured Prithviraj Yarra, the franchise confirmed on Tuesday. The change is the only late adjustment to a squad that management believes is already well-balanced after last season’s near-miss in the final.

Captain Shubman Gill, speaking to reporters, underlined the importance of composure as the Titans prepare to launch their campaign. “I think I’m just being myself, and the calmness comes from a sense of belief and security that I have within my group and in my own game,” Gill said. “Staying calm in any situation gives you an eagle-eye view, you’re able to look beyond the moment, see the bigger picture, and have a much clearer, long-term vision.”

Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki echoed the skipper’s confidence, noting that the franchise resisted wholesale changes at December’s auction. “We had a really good year last year. We just fell at the final hurdle,” Solanki said. “We made very small changes at the auction, it just needed a little bit of adjustment. There were five players who came in, and Matthew Hayden has joined us as well. The work is essentially shared among all of us, and we all try to work very hard. We are mindful of supporting these players as best as we can.”

Khejroliya’s arrival adds left-arm variety to a pace attack that will be expected to handle early-season conditions in Ahmedabad and away venues. The 31-year-old has previous IPL experience and gives the Titans an immediate like-for-like swap after Yarra’s injury.

Gujarat Titans open their schedule on March 31 against Punjab Kings before hosting Rajasthan Royals on April 4 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. With Gill leading a largely unchanged core, the franchise enters the season targeting a return to the playoff summit.