Gujarat Titans Could Be Making a Huge Mistake by Releasing This Match-Winner!

Reports ahead of the IPL 2027 auction suggest that Gujarat Titans could part ways with two players—and one of them is a proven match-winner whose full potential the franchise has yet to use.

Gujarat have enjoyed considerable success in a short time, winning one IPL title and finishing runners-up twice, including last season. For a team that has come close to another trophy, strengthening its biggest weakness should be the priority.

The two players reportedly facing release are Glenn Phillips and Shahrukh Khan. While moving on from Shahrukh may be understandable after his disappointing season, letting Phillips go could leave Gujarat searching for the very qualities he already brings.

How Phillips and Shahrukh Performed in IPL 2026

Neither player made a strong impact with the bat last season. Phillips scored 67 runs in five innings, while Shahrukh managed 43 in the same number of innings.

Shahrukh has shown his hitting ability in domestic cricket, but his IPL 2026 returns did little to establish him as a dependable finisher. At a season price of ₹4 crore, Gujarat would have a reasonable case for reviewing his place.

Phillips’ numbers were disappointing too. However, the bigger question is whether Gujarat have given him a fixed role and enough opportunities to make the most of his ability.

Glenn Phillips’ T20I Performance in 2026

Phillips’ international numbers show what he can offer with the bat.

New Zealand have given Phillips a settled middle-order role, allowing him to understand his responsibility and build his game around it. He can rebuild when wickets fall and attack when the situation demands it. That combination has helped make him a dangerous T20 batter.

Gujarat have yet to get the same value from him. Instead of judging his ability only through five IPL innings, they should consider what he could deliver with a clear batting position, responsibility and consistent backing.

His power is already established. The task for Gujarat is to create a role that allows him to use it.

Releasing Glenn Phillips Could Worsen Gujarat’s Biggest Problem

Gujarat’s biggest concern is scoring through the middle order, and Phillips is the player in their squad best equipped to address that weakness.

He has the power to clear the boundary, attack pace and spin, and maintain momentum after the top order departs. He can also take an innings deeper before accelerating towards the finish.

Those qualities matter when the openers do not provide a strong start. Gujarat need someone who can take responsibility in the middle and still score quickly enough to put the opposition under pressure.

Phillips offers that possibility. Giving him a fixed role could strengthen the middle order and reduce the burden on the top three.

Releasing him would leave Gujarat needing to find another player for the same job. There is no guarantee that a suitable replacement would be available at an affordable price.

His ₹2 Crore Price Makes Him Even More Valuable

Gujarat bought Phillips for just ₹2 crore, making his price a major advantage.

For that amount, they have an international middle-order batter who also offers outstanding fielding and useful off spin. Finding a replacement with the same combination of skills could require a larger investment.

Releasing him would free up only ₹2 crore while creating another position to fill. Gujarat should therefore assess what they would gain from the decision—and how much replacing him might cost.

If the franchise already has a player capable of addressing its biggest batting weakness at that price, giving him a proper opportunity makes a strong case.

Phillips Offers More Than Runs

Phillips’ fielding adds value even when he does not make a major batting contribution.

His speed, boundary-saving efforts and ability to take difficult catches can change a match. An unexpected catch that removes a dangerous batter can be just as influential as a quick innings.

His off spin also gives the captain another option, particularly against left-handed batters. He does not have to bowl a full spell every game to contribute; a useful over or two can help the team manage its main bowlers.

That versatility makes him more than a batting backup. He offers several ways to influence a game within one place in the XI.

Gujarat Should Keep Their Overseas Options Open

Jos Buttler, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder could form Gujarat’s preferred overseas combination. But form, fitness and conditions can change during a long season.

If an overseas player struggles or becomes unavailable, Phillips gives Gujarat an experienced alternative. More importantly, he offers a different balance when the team needs additional batting strength.

Selecting him would require leaving out another overseas player. That decision should depend on what Gujarat need most in a particular match, rather than treating one combination as permanent.

If middle-order scoring remains the biggest concern, Phillips deserves serious consideration in the XI. At just ₹2 crore, giving him a fixed role could be a far better investment than releasing him and searching for the same solution at the auction.