R Ashwin's Blunt Take On Struggling Batter Ahead Of DC Vs GT: 'No Replacement'

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has said that the Gujarat Titans don’t have any replacements for Indian batters and hence, they will need to back Shahrukh Khan in the lineup despite his poor form, as GT attempt to find their first win in IPL 2026.

Shahrukh has scored four and 11 till now this season and Ashwin noted that the Gujarat Titans lack a middle-order batter on the bench who can slot in for him.

Ashwin suggested that the Gujarat Titans management consider bringing in West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder to bolster their struggling middle order.

“They can consider making a place for Jason Holder. They don’t have any replacements for Indian batters. They have Shahrukh Khan, but they don’t have any replacement for him,” Ashwin

said while speaking on his YouTube video.

“They are in a bit of a catch-22. They don’t have enough resources in the middle order. If Jason Holder comes in, they will then get another experienced batter,” Ashwin said.

The Gujarat Titans are still searching for their first points in IPL 2026, sitting ninth after consecutive defeats to Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals.

The middle order comprising Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia needs to step up under pressure.

Shubman Gill missed the last game because of a muscle spasm, but stand-in captain Rashid Khan confirmed he should be fit for the crucial clash against Delhi Capitals.

After consecutive defeats, Gujarat Titans need to tighten their bowling. Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada have been a bit expensive, while Prasidh Krishna has lacked consistency.

On the brighter side, Rashid has found his rhythm early in the competition but their most brilliant bowler has been 23-year-old pacer Ashok Sharma.

The Kotla track favours runs, but last week’s afternoon match saw the Mumbai Indians restricted to just 162. How it plays out on a brisk April evening remains to be seen.