The Gujarat Titans’ (GT) late decision to bring Jason Holder into their regular XI is benefiting them immensely, with the veteran all-rounder playing a key role in the team’s recent turnaround in IPL 2026. Holder delivered a match-winning spell of 4/24 against Punjab Kings on Sunday, helping GT register their third win on the trot.
Prior to that, the West Indies star had chipped in with 2/29 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, alongside pulling off crucial catches in the field. His disciplined approach, especially hitting consistent good lengths despite aggressive batting, has been instrumental, a trait honed through years of experience in Test cricket.
Having led the West Indies cricket team in 37 Tests between 2015 and 2020 and once regarded as the world’s top all-rounder, Holder revealed that he still harbours ambitions of returning to the longest format.
“Fair to say that, last year and a half I have only played T20 cricket, haven’t played Test cricket. I would love to still play some Test-match cricket. I haven’t yet closed that chapter,” Holder was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
Holder last featured in a Test in August 2024 against South Africa, while his most recent first-class appearance came for Barbados in March 2025. Across 69 Tests, he has picked up 162 wickets and scored 3073 runs at an average of 29.83, including three centuries and 14 fifties.
In IPL 2026, Holder has made an immediate impact, claiming seven wickets in four matches at an impressive economy of 6.94. While his contributions with the bat have been limited, 40 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 148.14, the all-rounder admitted he expects more from himself in finishing games.
“I am probably a little disappointed that I didn’t finish the last two games. But I am still in a good frame of mind. That’s the most important thing for me. Just keeping a fresh mind, staying positive, understanding my role, and just trying to execute when called upon. Just try to make an impact and execute as well as I can under pressure,” he concluded.
GT will now face Rajasthan Royals on May 9 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
