Former Indian cricketer and commentator Akash Chopra highlighted a potential weakness Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of the team Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. According to Chopra, the franchise could face problems because of its heavy reliance on top-order batsmen, especially if one of its key players fails to perform consistently.
The Gujarat-based franchise enjoyed a strong campaign in IPL 2025 and made it to the playoffs after impressive performances. Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsanand If Buttler at the top of the order. However, their journey ended in the Eliminator after a defeat to Mumbai Indians, with Buttler unable to attend the match due to national commitments. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Chopra believes their reliance on the top three could become a weakness.
Aakash Chopra explains Gujarat Titans’ weakness ahead of IPL 2026
The success of Gujarat Titans last season was largely based on the consistency of their top order batting. Captain Gill led from the front while Sudharsan continued to develop into one of the most reliable young batsmen in the tournament. Meanwhile, Buttler provided the explosive firepower expected of him in the shortest format.
Chopra noted that the team performed best when they were able to bat deep into the first three innings. With at least one of them staying at the crease until the middle order, the Titans were able to build strong platforms for a competitive result.
Chopra explained that the team’s approach worked well last season, but could be risky if the top order doesn’t fire regularly. He pointed out that the ideal scenario for Gujarat Titans is for the top three to occupy the crease till the 14th or 15th over, providing stability and momentum in the innings. However, relying too much on this strategy can leave the middle order open if early wickets fall.
“What are their weaknesses? You can call them weaknesses or challenges. There is still a bit too much dependence on the top three. It would be great if they repeat what they did last year, which means that the top three will fight together until 14 or 15 and at least one of them has to be there 100 percent until 15,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
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The latest form of star batter is troubling
Another factor Chopra highlighted was Buttler’s recent dip in form T20 World Cup 2026. The England star had an unusually quiet tournament, averaging 10.88 for just 87 runs in eight overs.
The numbers were surprising for a player known for favoring bowlers across conditions. Chopra noted that it is rare to see Buttler fight so hard in a World Cup tournament. He also noted that the right-handed batsman looked uneasy even on stroke-friendly pitches, raising questions about whether the slump would carry over into the IPL season.
According to Chopra, Gujarat Titans would ideally like Buttler to provide an explosive start along with Gill. However, if the English goalkeeper continues to struggle, the team may face difficulty in the rankings.
“But the truth is that Jos Buttler’s current form is very, very pedestrian. We haven’t seen Jos Buttler in a more ordinary game at any World Cup. He looked like he was struggling in good conditions this time. So it’s going to be a bit of a problem for Gujarat Titans? You want to start with Jos Buttler, but if everything works out, can Both stay good? time,” Chopra added.
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