Gujarat Titans endured a heavy 99-run defeat against the Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium, and the fallout has raised serious questions about their team combination for IPL 2026. Former India all-rounder Manoj Tiwary has called for bold changes, particularly targeting the underperforming middle order.
Tiwary pointed out that both Rahul Tewatia and Shah Rukh Khan have failed to deliver consistently this season. Tewatia has managed just 49 runs in six innings, while Shahrukh’s returns have been even more underwhelming, with only 35 runs in four outings. In the latest loss, neither could make an impact, scoring 8 and 17 respectively when the team needed a rescue act.
“You must drop either Rahul Tewatia or Shahrukh Khan because a lot of matches have gone by,” Manoj Tiwary said. “People remember recent performances, not what happened years ago.”
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His comments referenced Tewatia’s iconic five-sixes knock in IPL 2020, which Tiwary believes can no longer justify continued selection without current form. There were also tactical questions raised during the match. Former India pacer Mohit Sharma felt GT missed an opportunity by not sending in Anuj Rawat earlier as an Impact Player when the side was reeling at 55/5.
“I feel Anuj should have come in. There were still 12 overs left,” Mohit noted. “They need to rethink how they use their options.”
Another major concern highlighted was the form of Glenn Phillips. Despite his reputation as a power-hitter for New Zealand, Phillips has struggled to make an impact for the Titans this season. He has scored just 67 runs in five innings at a modest strike rate and hasn’t contributed with the ball either. Tiwary didn’t hold back in his assessment.
“They could have considered someone like Jason Holder instead,” he said. “Phillips is not looking in rhythm and hasn’t delivered impactful performances.”
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With the tournament entering a crucial phase, the Gujarat Titans face mounting pressure to reassess their playing XI. The lack of contributions from key middle-order players has exposed their batting depth, and unless quick corrective measures are taken, their campaign risks slipping further off track in IPL 2026.
