Windies all-rounder Jason Holder has been crucial in Gujarat Titans’ ascend to the top echelons of the IPL 2026 table in recent weeks on the back of successive wins as the former champions look to secure their berth in the top-2 as the playoffs race heats up. While the usual suspects including skipper Shubman Gill, opener Sai Sudharsan and star seamer Kagiso Rabada have been up to their usual antics, Holder has offered the side crucial balance and former seamer Lakshmipathi Balaji opined that the side from Ahmedabad have finally found a worth replacement for former skipper and talisman Hardik Pandya, who led the side to glory in their first attempt back in the year 2022. “Holder is an improved cricketer over the last two years in T20 cricket, especially as a death overs bowler and batter,” the former CSK strike pacer said. “He has evolved in his ability to produce cameos. GT have finally filled the role Hardik Pandya played with him,” the 44-year-old stated. “He is the fulcrum, lending GT great balance in bowling and batting,” the quick added. GT stand second in the points table, only behind defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with 16 points in their 12 outings in the campaign thus far and are on a five-game winning streak.