Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has pointed out a major concern for the Gujarat Titans as they continue their search for a first win in IPL 2026. According to Ashwin, GT do not have enough Indian batting depth to replace Shahrukh Khan, which is why the management may have to persist with him despite a slow start to the season.

Shahrukh has managed scores of four and 11 so far, but Ashwin feels the Titans are short of ready-made alternatives in the middle order. In his view, that lack of bench strength could force GT to back the batter for longer, even as pressure builds after back-to-back defeats.

“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,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

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“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,” he added.

Gujarat Titans are currently languishing in ninth place on the IPL 2026 table after losses to Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Their middle order, featuring Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia, has yet to deliver when the top order has failed to carry the load.

There is some relief in the bowling department, with Rashid Khan confirming that skipper Shubman Gill should be available for the crucial clash against Delhi Capitals after missing the previous game with a muscle spasm. However, GT still need tighter spells from their attack. Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada have been expensive, while Prasidh Krishna has lacked consistency.

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On the positive side, Rashid Khan has looked sharp early in the season, and young pacer Ashok Sharma has emerged as a bright spot. With the Kotla expected to offer plenty of runs, Gujarat will need a better all-round showing to get their campaign moving.