Will Phillips or Banton Replace Butler in Gujarat Titans Middle Order? Mukund Raises Concerns

New Delhi, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : Former Indian cricketer Abhinav Mukund has raised important questions regarding the middle-order lineup of the Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL). With uncertainty surrounding Jos Buttler’s availability, Mukund suggests that the franchise should consider whether Glenn Phillips or Tom Banton could step in.

As all franchises work on their team combinations before the IPL 2027 retention deadline, Mukund believes the Titans face crucial decisions, especially if Buttler cannot participate. The England wicketkeeper-batsman’s uncertain status may compel the franchise to reassess their overseas player combinations and the roles of middle-order batsmen. He highlighted Phillips and Banton as potential candidates but emphasized that replacing a player of Buttler’s caliber is a significant decision that requires careful consideration.

In an interview with ‘GeoStar,’ Mukund stated, “What are you going to do with your middle order? It was a major issue for you last year. You couldn’t play Glenn Phillips because Jason Holder came in and performed exceptionally well. Additionally, Rashid Khan is a definite in the team, and perhaps Rabada too. If Jos Buttler is unavailable, can you rely on Phillips at number three? Glenn Phillips can do anything on the field, and Tom Banton can also keep wickets. These are two players you need to consider for the team. But is Banton the best option to replace Buttler? That’s something you need to think about.”

Mukund also supported Sunrisers Hyderabad’s decision to strengthen their pace attack by including Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis. He remarked, “SRH is clearly bolstering their pace bowling lineup. After Jaydev Unadkat and Harshal Patel underperformed last year, they have placed their trust in young Indian pacers. Thus, their decision to add Khaleel Ahmed, a new-ball specialist, makes sense. Moreover, Nathan Ellis has been brought in as a backup in the absence of Pat Cummins. This deal seems to benefit both parties.”

Furthermore, Mukund noted that SRH may need to decide on retaining Australian opener Travis Head, as his availability could be affected by the international cricket calendar. He believes that if the left-handed batsman is not available, the franchise might look for alternatives in the player auction.

The former cricketer stated, “Travis Head may not be available next season, so the same considerations that apply to Pat Cummins and other Australian players also apply to Head. But would you retain Travis Head? I wouldn’t, as I think there will be many more options available in the mega auction. Therefore, if he is unavailable this season, you might as well release him.”

Moreover, he suggested that no other changes are necessary for the team. Interestingly, if they do not find good trade deals for players in the mini-auction, they could pose a strong challenge to the Kolkata Knight Riders. With Natarajan in the squad, Mukund questioned whether they would still retain Harshal Patel. With a strike rate of 111 and no wickets in five matches, Patel, priced at 8 crores, has proven to be quite costly.