Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan advised Gujarat Titans to use Kumar Kushagra at the number four batting position. Pathan predicted his preferred playing eleven for their IPL 2026 clash. Gujarat Titans will face Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday, April 8.
Shubman Gill missed the previous match against Rajasthan Royals due to a minor muscle spasm. The Gujarat Titans captain might recover and open the innings alongside Sai Sudharsan. This fixture against Delhi Capitals is an opportunity for the struggling team to regain momentum.
Irfan Pathan Backs Kumar Kushagra For Number Four Role
Irfan Pathan backed Kumar Kushagra to maintain his position in the Gujarat Titans starting lineup. The young batter scored 18 runs while opening the innings on his debut against Rajasthan Royals.
Pathan urged the Gujarat Titans management to back Kumar Kushagra. The veteran commentator believes that playing the previous match gave the youngster useful experience. Pathan said that placing Kushagra at number four adds stability to the middle order.
“Play Kumar Kushagra at No. 4. Kumar Kushagra has batted lower down for Jharkhand, has also batted at number three, and can play at number four as well. He looked very compact, and his backlift is quite high, which allows him to hit big shots. He has had a good domestic season. His Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign was excellent. Will you back him? He played the last match, so he has already got a sighter. Play him at No. 4.”
Jason Holder Replaces Kagiso Rabada in Gujarat Titans Playing Eleven
Irfan Pathan selected Jos Buttler to bat at number three. He then placed Glenn Phillips at number five. Pathan also included Jason Holder at number six, replacing Kagiso Rabada.
Gujarat Titans acquired Jason Holder for seven crore rupees in the recent mega auction. However, the West Indies all-rounder has not played yet this season. Irfan Pathan believes Holder adds bowling depth and late-order hitting alongside Washington Sundar at number seven.
Kagiso Rabada missing from the predicted lineup is a major talking point. Pathan strengthened the lower middle order by using Jason Holder instead of a specialist overseas fast bowler. This change could impact the match against Delhi Capitals.
Sai Kishore Returns To Gujarat Titans Bowling Attack Against Delhi Capitals
Irfan Pathan expects Rashid Khan to lead the bowling attack while batting at number eight. The former fast bowler also backed left-arm spinner Sai Kishore to return against Delhi Capitals. Kishore took 19 wickets in 15 matches for Gujarat Titans in the 2025 season.
Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna complete the pace attack in this lineup. Pathan backed both pacers to handle powerplay and death overs. The former cricketer selected uncapped seamer Ashok Sharma as the impact substitute.
Predicted XI: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Kumar Kushagra, Glenn Phillips, Jason Holder, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna; Impact Sub: Ashok Sharma.