Gujarat Titans are reportedly considering releasing the middle-order batter Shahrukh Khan and New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction.
The Shubman Gill-led franchise is looking to include these changes and solidify their squad for the next IPL 2027 season after the 2026 final loss to the RCB for the title. Read Also: WPL 2027 auction: Full player list, team purse, rules, squads and schedule.
Gujarat Titans set to release Shahrukh Khan and Glenn Phillips ahead of IPL 2027 Auction
Gujarat Titans have a settled squad, but the team management could still make a few changes before the auction. As reported by a PTI journalist, GT is planning to release Shahrukh Khan and Glenn Phillips ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction later this year.
However, South African player Connor Esterhuizen is likely to be retained by the Gujarat Titans franchise. However, the final decisions on player retention and releases are yet to be made.
He posted on X: “Some #IPL auction/trading news: The @gujarat_titans looks a very set outfit going into mini auctions. There could be 2 likely releases: middle-order finisher M. Sharukh Khan and New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips. Connor Esterhuizen of SA could be retained. @IPL”
Some #IPL auction/trading news: The @gujarat_titans looks a very set outfit going into Mini auctions. There could be 2 likely releases: Middle order finisher M Sharukh Khan and New Zealand all rounder Glenn Phillips. Connor Esterhuizen of SA could be retained. @IPL
— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) Ocoe 1 06
Why Gujarat Titans could release Shahrukh Khan?
The reason behind Gujarat Titans’ thinking was Shahrukh Khan’s disappointing performance in the 2026 season. The franchise bought the Indian power-hitter for ₹7.4 crore ahead of IPL 2024, expecting him to strengthen the middle order and finish matches with his big hitting.
Shahrukh made a good start, scoring 127 runs in seven matches in 2024, including his maiden IPL half-century of 58 runs off 30 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He scored 179 runs in 15 matches in 2025 at an impressive strike rate of 179.
However, the hard-hitting lower-order batter’s performance dropped sharply in 2026, as he managed just 43 runs in nine matches at an average of 10.75 and a strike rate of 130.30. His poor form could force Gujarat Titans to release him before the next auction. Amid this, Shubman Gill to pay for 4-5 personal net bowlers in NZ, face Chhattisgarh in Ranji Trophy.
GT set to part ways with Glenn Phillips after two disappointing IPL seasons
Speaking about Glenn Phillips, the New Zealand all-rounder and the Gujarat Titans are all set to be parted ways ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction after his limited impact over the last two seasons. GT bought Phillips for ₹2 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, hoping his batting, bowling and excellent fielding would strengthen the team.
However, Phillips’ injury ruled him out of the entire 2025 season before he could play a single match for the IPL franchise. He returned for IPL 2026 but struggled to make a big impact, scoring just 67 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 124.07, with a highest score of 25 against Punjab Kings. He did not take any wickets either.
Although his energetic fielding remained the big attraction, the all-rounder’s limited contribution with the bat could put his place in the squad at risk. Under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, Gujarat Titans have shown steady improvement in the IPL.
Gujarat Titans finished in eighth place in 2024, winning five matches but failing to maintain consistency. The team bounced back nicely in 2025, finishing 9-6 and placing fourth to make the playoffs. In IPL 2026, GT won 10 matches and reached the final, where they lost to RCB.
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