Shubman Gill missed Gujarat’s last game against Rajasthan Royals, giving Kushagra his first appearance of the season. Opening alongside Sai Sudharsan, the youngster scored 18 off 14 balls.
In a video on his YouTube channel, Pathan suggested a reshuffled batting order: Shubman Gill to open with Sudharsan, Jos Buttler at No. 3, and Kumar Kushagra at No. 4.
“Play Kumar Kushagra at No. 4. He has batted lower down for Jharkhand, has experience at No. 3, and can comfortably slot in at four. He looked very compact, with a high backlift that allows him to hit big shots. He’s had an excellent domestic season, and his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign was outstanding. He’s already got a sighter in the last match—back him at No. 4,” Pathan said.
At No. 5 and 6, Pathan included all-rounders Glenn Phillips and Jason Holder, who is yet to make his debut for the franchise. Washington Sundar occupies No. 7, while vice-captain Rashid Khan slots in at No. 8.
For the bowling lineup, Pathan opted to leave out Kagiso Rabada and bring in Sai Kishore, who claimed 19 wickets in 15 matches in IPL 2025. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna were named as the frontline Indian pacers, with uncapped seamer Ashok Sharma as the Impact Player.
Gujarat Titans have lost both of their first two matches, whereas Delhi Capitals are unbeaten, winning both of their opening games.
