Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin praised Gujarat Titans for their consistent performances in IPL 2026. GT made it to the final but could not cross the final hurdle against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday as they suffered a five-wicket loss.

Ashwin urged the runners-up to strengthen their middle order and also rope in a couple of finishers in the mini-auction for the next season. GT was heavily dependent on their top three batters – Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler – as the trio once again did the bulk of the scoring. Gill (732) and Sudharsan (722) scored more than 700 runs in the season whereas Buttler amassed 526 runs.

Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “GT can be very proud of themselves. They adapted to cover the holes in their team. They showed their strength and protected their weakness. I hope they strengthen their middle order and pay attention to finishers in the next auction. If they can really attach those holes, GT have been a very consistent team, and they can become an even better team. They have dominated since their IPL debut. I feel that GT is similar to how CSK were in the past.”

The former CSK spinner questioned Gujarat Titans’ decision to send Nishant Sidhu ahead of Jos Buttler at number three position after they lost an early wicket of Shubman Gill.

He added, “I would have loved to see Jos Buttler walk in at No. 3. I do not understand why they sent Nishant Sindhu. Gujarat gave their 400 percent and can be very proud of what they did.”

Sidhu was dismissed after scoring 20 runs off 18 balls and thus the move didn’t pay dividends.