Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has raised serious concerns over Shahrukh Khan’s role in the Gujarat Titans setup following another underwhelming outing in IPL 2026. The middle-order batter managed just four runs off six balls against Punjab Kings, once again failing to deliver in a crucial finishing role.

Shahrukh, retained for ₹4 crore ahead of the 2026 auction, has struggled to justify the faith shown in him. Across the last two seasons, he has not crossed the 200-run mark in either campaign, raising questions about his consistency and impact. While he has built a reputation as a power-hitter, his overall IPL numbers—an average of just over 21—paint a concerning picture for a player expected to close out innings.

Speaking on the issue, Ambati Rayudu didn’t hold back. “It’s been quite a few seasons where there is a lot of talk of promise, but not much delivery,” he said. He added, “He really owes it to GT because they’ve backed him to finish games.”

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Rayudu also stressed the importance of progression, saying, “The yardstick should be whether he has improved from last year. If not, then the team has to take a call.”

Beyond Shahrukh’s struggles, Rayudu pointed out balance issues in Gujarat’s playing XI. Despite having a strong pace attack featuring Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, and Prasidh Krishna, the combination hasn’t clicked effectively. While Prasidh impressed with three wickets, the rest of the attack lacked control and consistency.

“You need to take a hard call,” Ambati Rayudu said, suggesting that one of the pacers may need to be dropped to improve team balance. He further hinted at restructuring the lineup, adding, “You can’t play all of them together.” He also proposed tactical changes, including bringing in a more reliable middle-order batter. “You need five proper batters in a T20 side,” Rayudu explained, emphasizing the need for players who can handle both pace and spin with equal comfort.

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Gujarat Titans were well-placed at 83/1 midway through their innings but failed to capitalise, finishing on a modest 162. It proved insufficient as Punjab Kings chased down the target, exposing the gaps in GT’s middle order and overall strategy. As IPL 2026 progresses, the Titans may soon be forced to make tough decisions if they are to stay competitive.