They need to get an extra batter

Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu reckons that Gujarat Titans (GT) must include an extra batter in their line-up for the IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Rayudu stated that Jason Holder is unlikely to come in since Kagiso Rabada is bowling brilliantly. He backed Kumar Kushagra to be picked as an extra batter.

GT went down to Mumbai Indians (MI) by 99 runs in their previous match at Wankhede Stadium. Chasing a target of 200, GT folded up for exactly 100 in 15.5 overs. GT’s top three perished cheaply and Washington Sundar (26 off 17) ended up being the top run-getter in the innings.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo Timeout, Rayudu stated that GT need to end their overdependence on the top three, adding that they need to improve their overall batting strength. He commented:

“They need to get an extra batter in there, for sure. They’re playing one fast bowler too many. So, if they have to get in Jason Holder, then he has to come in place of Kagiso Rabada. Because Rabada has been bowling brilliantly, so I don’t see that happening. So, they’ll have to look at an Indian to basically to come in.

“I don’t see a foreign batsman replacing Glenn Phillips in their squad. I don’t see anybody there right now, so I think they’ll have to make do with Kumar Kushagra, try to get him at number four or number five, along with Glenn Phillips and Washington Sundar, so that they lengthen the batting line-up,” Rayudu added.

Skipper Shubman Gill is currently GT’s leading run-getter in IPL 2026. In five innings, he has scored 265 runs at a strike rate of 151.42. Jos Buttler has scored 206 runs at a strike rate of 156.06, while Sundar has 137 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 147.31.

“He’s a guy who can score hundreds” – Mitchell McClenaghan questions GT’s use of Glenn Phillips

Former MI pacer Mitchell McClenaghan reckons that GT are not using Phillips’ talent in the proper manner. According to the former Kiwi pacer, the Gujarat franchise are trying to utilize Phillips in dual roles as a result of which he is ending up doing neither. Backing Phillips as the No. 4 batter, he elaborated:

“I think at the moment they’ve got him in a position where they’re trying to get a buck each way. They’re trying to have someone who can score big runs if they’re in trouble early, but also have a finisher in the tank there as well. So, I think you’ve got to go one way or the other – either hold him right back just to finish or you put him up to number four. I’d be inclined to go up to the number four, he’s a guy who can score you hundreds.”

In five innings in IPL 2026 so far, Phillips has scored 67 runs at an average of 16.75 and a strike rate of 124.07, with a best of 25.