Sanjay Bangar Reveals Why Rashid Khan Has Lost His Mystery Factor in T20 Cricket Today
Bangar said GT must decide between Shahrukh and Tewatia while managing Rashid Khan's diminishing returns.
With the Indian Premier League 2026 approaching, former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has issued a key warning for Gujarat Titans, highlighting selection headaches despite a strong squad. Bangar noted that balancing the playing XI could be a major challenge for the team management.
Led by Shubman Gill, Gujarat Titans have multiple all-round options, particularly Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia. Both players bring finishing ability in the death overs, but Bangar suggested that accommodating both in the same XI may require tactical adjustments, including the use of the impact player rule.
Bangar also pointed out that the team has shown faith in these players over time and will expect returns. He added that Washington Sundar could play a more prominent role with the bat, potentially in the middle order, rather than being used primarily as a bowler.
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Another boost for the Titans could come from the inclusion of Glenn Phillips, whose presence would add firepower to the batting lineup. However, integrating multiple power-hitters without disturbing team balance remains a key challenge.
Bangar also addressed concerns around Rashid Khan, noting that his “mystery factor” in T20 cricket may have reduced. He attributed this to increased familiarity among batters, as Rashid features in multiple global leagues, allowing opponents to better prepare against him.
Despite this, Bangar emphasised that Rashid remains a highly effective bowler, capable of picking up crucial wickets while maintaining an economy rate under control. As the Gujarat Titans prepare for IPL 2026, team combination and role clarity are expected to play a decisive role in their campaign.
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