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Srikkanth slams Gujarat Titans star for ‘playing for himself’ vs Punjab Kings: ‘They wasted Rahul Tewatia’

Gujarat Titans were well placed at 114 for 2 in the 14th over against Punjab Kings, but the innings lost its way soon after.

Updated on: Apr 2, 2026, 13:51:20 IST
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Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth did not hold back in his criticism of Shahrukh Khan after another underwhelming outing, questioning his lack of consistency over the years. The batter fell for just 4 off six balls against Punjab Kings at a crucial stage, when Gujarat Titans needed a late surge to push their total beyond 180. Instead, his early dismissal stalled the momentum, leaving the side short of a strong finish. Titans eventually ended on 162 for 6, a total that looked well below par given the situation and conditions on the night.

Gujarat Titans lost their opening match against Punjab Kings. (BCCI Image)
Gujarat Titans lost their opening match against Punjab Kings. (BCCI Image)

Shahrukh has established himself as a lower-order finisher in domestic cricket, relied upon for quick runs at the death. However, he has struggled to consistently meet expectations in IPL. Since making his debut in 2021, he has featured in 56 matches, scoring 736 runs at a strike rate of 148.09, showing flashes of impact but lacking regular match-winning contributions.

Gujarat Titans were well placed at 114 for 2 in the 14th over, but the innings lost its way soon after. The middle order, including Shahrukh , Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan, failed to build on the platform and struggled under pressure. With wickets falling and momentum slipping, the push in the final overs never came, and the team could only manage 162 by the end.

Srikkanth launched a sharp criticism of Shahrukh, questioning his place in the batting order and accusing him of failing to deliver when the team needed him most.

"GT's batting is very ordinary. Shahrukh Khan hardly scored even in SMAT. He played in the 11 and just played for himself at the end. Their batting is too dependent on the top three. They wasted Rahul Tewatia in the PBKS game, and the same applies to Rashid Khan. Both of them should have gone ahead of Shahrukh Khan. There is no way Shahrukh Khan should have gone ahead in the batting order. GT muffed it up with their order," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

Gujarat Titans will host the Rajasthan Royals at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, whereas the Punjab Kings will take on the Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari

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.

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