Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra by Gujarat Titans (GT) IPL in the team of 2026 A potential weakness has been highlighted ahead of the session. According to Chopra, the franchise may face challenges due to heavy reliance on top-order batsmen, especially if one of their key players does not perform consistently.
The Gujarat-based franchise enjoyed a strong campaign in IPL 2025, Shubhman Gill, Sai SudarshanAnd josh butler Reached the playoffs with a brilliant performance. However, their journey ended with a defeat against Mumbai Indians in the eliminator, with Buttler unavailable for the match due to national commitments. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Chopra believes the reliance on the top three could become a weakness.
Aakash Chopra clarifies Gujarat Titans’ weakness ahead of IPL 2026
Gujarat Titans’ success last season largely depended on the consistency of their top-order batsmen. Captain Gill led from the front, while Sudarshan continued to develop into one of the most reliable young batsmen in the tournament. Buttler, meanwhile, provided the explosive power expected of him in the shortest format.
Chopra said the team performed best when the top three batsmen were able to bat deep. When at least one of those batsmen remained at the crease till the middle overs, the Titans were able to build a strong base for a competitive total.
Chopra clarified that the team’s strategy worked well last season, but if the top order does not perform regularly, it could be risky. He also pointed out that the ideal situation for Gujarat Titans is when the top three batsmen remain at the crease till the 14th or 15th over, thereby ensuring stability and pace in the innings. However, over-reliance on this strategy can put the middle order at risk if wickets fall early.
“What are their weaknesses? These can be called weaknesses or challenges. A little over-dependence on the top three is still being seen. If they perform like last year, it is good, which means the top three should bat together till the 14th or 15th over, and at least one of them should be at the crease 100 per cent by the 15th over,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Star batsman’s recent form raises questions
Chopra highlighted another aspect which was Butler’s T20 World Cup 2026 There was a decline in recent form. The England star played an unusually quiet tournament, scoring only 87 runs in eight innings, at an average of 10.88.
For a player who is known for dominating the bowlers in the conditions, these figures were astonishing. Chopra said it was rare to see Buttler struggle to this extent in a World Cup tournament. He also pointed out that the right-handed batsman appeared uncomfortable even on batting-friendly pitches, raising questions about whether this decline could continue into the IPL season.
According to Chopra, Gujarat Titans ideally want Buttler to provide explosive starts along with Gill. However, if the English wicketkeeper-batsmen continue to struggle, the team may face difficulties at the top of the order.
“However, the truth is that Jos Buttler’s current form is very, very ordinary. We have not seen Jos Buttler play more ordinary than this in any World Cup edition. This time he has been seen struggling even in good conditions. So could this become a problem for Gujarat Titans? You want to start with Jos Buttler, but what if the form is not good? Both the openers cannot score runs every time,” Chopra added.
Comments are closed.