Home / Sports / RCB & GT Middle Order Woes Ahead of Clash
RCB & GT Middle Order Woes Ahead of Clash
24 Apr
Summary
- Both RCB and GT face middle-order batting issues after recent losses.
- RCB may replace Romario Shepherd with Jacob Bethell.
- GT could swap Shahrukh Khan for Kumar Kushagra or Holder for Phillips.
The upcoming IPL 2026 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is dominated by the faltering middle-order batting of both teams. Following recent defeats, RCB is considering bringing in England all-rounder Jacob Bethell, who was retained for ₹2.6 crore, potentially replacing Romario Shepherd. Bethell boasts a career strike rate of 141.98 in T20 cricket.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans, after a substantial loss to Mumbai Indians, are also looking to revamp their middle order. Players like Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, and Rashid Khan have struggled to perform. GT might consider introducing West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder, acquired for ₹7 crore, or young Kumar Kushagra, potentially at the expense of M. Shahrukh Khan, who has scored only 35 runs in six matches.
RCB batter Tim David acknowledged the challenges, emphasizing the need to practice hitting yorkers and developing scoring methods against varied bowling attacks. He noted that playing in the middle-order requires understanding risks and adapting to bowlers' strategies. Holder expressed his enjoyment of playing in Ahmedabad, finding it familiar territory.
