In a significant move to overhaul their team dynamics, the Gujarat Giants officially parted ways with head coach Jaivir Sharma and assistant coach Varinder Singh Sandhu on February 17, 2026. This decision signals a complete tactical reset for the Adani Sportsline-owned franchise following a disappointing run in the most recent season.
The Giants’ management opted for a change in leadership after a campaign that struggled to gain momentum, ultimately leading to one of the team’s lowest finishes in the tournament’s history.
Season 12 Recap: Struggles on the Mat
The 2025–26 season (PKL 12) was a challenging period for the Ahmedabad-based franchise. Despite signing high-profile stars like Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui, the team failed to find its rhythm.
- Final Standings: The Giants finished 11th out of 12 teams, narrowly avoiding the bottom spot.
- Performance Record: From 18 matches, they managed only 6 wins while suffering 12 losses.
- Statistical Deficit: They ended the season with a scoring difference of -73, reflecting major inconsistencies in both raiding efficiency and defensive coordination.
Historical Context: Searching for the Elusive Title
The Gujarat Giants have a storied history of being “almost champions,” making their recent slump particularly frustrating for fans.
- The Golden Era: The team famously reached the finals in back-to-back years during Season 5 and Season 6, finishing as runners-up to the Patna Pirates and Bengaluru Bulls, respectively.
- Last Playoff Appearance: Their most recent taste of the knockouts came in Season 10, where they finished fourth in the group stage but were eliminated by the Haryana Steelers in the first eliminator.
Looking Ahead to PKL 13
With a new season on the horizon, the Giants are expected to announce a fresh coaching setup soon to lead them through the crucial preseason and auction phases. The new leadership will face the immediate task of rebuilding a balanced squad that can return to the top half of the table.
Key priorities for the upcoming auction will likely include strengthening the defensive core and finding reliable secondary raiders to support their main strike force.
