Ravichandran Ashwin has taken a close look at Gujarat Titans’ middle-order concerns, pointing out that the side finds itself in a tricky spot with no clear alternative to Shahrukh Khan, who has yet to fully deliver on expectations. GT have persisted with Shahrukh over the past few seasons, trusting him to play the finisher’s role, but the returns haven’t quite matched the faith shown in him.
Shahrukh Khan has been under the scanner with GT losing their first two matches. (PTI)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
In domestic cricket, Shahrukh has built a reputation as a dependable lower-order hitter, known for scoring quick runs towards the end. However, that consistency has been harder to come by in the IPL. Since his debut in 2021, he has played 56 matches, scoring 736 runs at a strike rate of 148.09 - numbers that hint at his ability, but also underline the lack of consistent match-defining contributions.
Ahead of the clash between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans, Ashwin highlighted the team’s middle-order concerns, especially the lack of a reliable backup for Shahrukh. He pointed out that GT are short on Indian batting options, leaving them with limited flexibility, and suggested that bringing in an experienced overseas player could help strengthen the balance.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
"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. 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 on his YouTube channel.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
"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. 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 on his YouTube channel.
Talking further on his preview of Wednesday's clash, Ashwin also weighed in on skipper Axar Patel’s role at Delhi Capitals, praising his value in T20 cricket while pointing out areas where he can become even more effective, especially against left-handers.
"He has the ability to bowl in the powerplay but he should add some more options against left-handers. He is an exceptional player in white-ball cricket, especially in the T20 format. He is probably the best left-arm spinner in the country. In this format, he is probably the best finger spinner available in the market."
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
Get live cricket scores, match updates, schedules, results and ICC rankings. Follow the latest news, statistics and performances of top teams and players on Hindustan Times.
Get live cricket scores, match updates, schedules, results and ICC rankings. Follow the latest news, statistics and performances of top teams and players on Hindustan Times.
Home/Cricket/R Ashwin flags Gujarat Titans' catch-22 situation with Shahrukh Khan under scanner: ‘They don't have enough resources’
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe
