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Kumble Says Rashid Khan's "Novelty Has Worn Off," GT Must Manage Workload

Anil Kumble suggests Rashid Khan's unique threat in the IPL has diminished, necessitating careful workload management alongside bowlers like Sai Kishore. Experts highlight Gujarat Titans' strategic gamble on Jason Holder's improved batting and death bowling. The team's core strength is identified as its powerful top order of Gill, Sudharsan, and Buttler. Analysts also note GT's preference for left-arm pace and all-rounders to balance a squad rich with young Indian talent.

Key Points: Anil Kumble on Rashid Khan's IPL 2026 Role & GT Strategy

  • Rashid Khan's reduced intimidation
  • GT's faith in Jason Holder
  • Strength of top-order batters
  • Strategic love for left-arm pacers
2 min read

"His workload has to be managed": Anil Kumble on Rashid Khan ahead of IPL 2026

Anil Kumble says Rashid Khan's workload must be managed as his "novelty has worn off." Experts analyze GT's bets on Holder, top order, and left-arm pace.

"I think the novelty of Rashid Khan has worn off a little. - Anil Kumble"

New Delhi, December 29

Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble has discussed the strategic shift in Afghanistan star leg-spinner Rashid Khan's role for the Gujarat Titans in the upcoming 2026 Indian Premier League season.

Speaking on the 'TATA IPL Auction Review', JioStar expert Kumble said that Rashid's workload needs to be managed alongside bowlers like Sai Kishore. The former Indian cricketer added that players like Rahul Tewatia and Washington Sundar can contribute more for the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026.

"I think the novelty of Rashid Khan has worn off a little. There are many similar bowlers available now, so he is not as intimidating as before. His workload has to be managed more, along with bowlers like Sai Kishore. Even Rahul Tewatia and Washington Sundar can contribute more for GT this season," Kumble said.

JioStar expert and former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan also assessed the Gujarat Titans' faith in West Indies veteran all-rounder Jason Holder.

"Their bet on Jason Holder is interesting. He is an amazing bowler with the new ball, but his batting has improved, especially his six-hitting abilities. GT has put a lot of faith in that. Their main strength is their top three batters: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler. How they use Washington Sundar will be important, as his batting has gotten better too. The role of Glenn Phillips, or whoever plays at number four or five, will also be very big," Pathan said.

JioStar expert Abhinav Mukund also explained the reasoning behind the Gujarat Titans' preference for picking left-arm pacers and all-rounders like Jason Holder in their squad for IPL 2026 tournament.

"Gujarat Titans love fast bowlers, especially left-arm pacers like Prithviraj Yarra and Luke Wood. Ashok Sharma had a great Syed Mushtaq Ali season. But Jason Holder is there because they need someone to bat and finish innings at number six or seven, and bowl a couple of overs. They want someone to finish at the death. The team is so strong at the top that they felt they needed this. Last year, GT often did not play all four overseas players. So maybe if Glenn Phillips is fit, he plays in the middle order and Jason Holder finishes. Overall, they still look like a brilliant side. They have the best young Indian talent. I don't know who will control them on the bench. Good luck to Parthiv Patel and Ashish Nehra," Mukund said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I respectfully disagree with the part about Rashid's novelty wearing off. He's still a magician with the ball! But workload management is crucial, especially with his back issues. Hope GT uses him wisely. 🤞
R
Rohit P
The analysis on Washington Sundar is spot on. He's been underutilized for years. If he gets a proper role with both bat and ball, he could be the X-factor for GT. Our local boys like Sai Kishore need to grab their chances too!
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, GT's top order of Gill, Sudharsan, and Buttler looks absolutely frightening on paper. If they fire, they'll win most matches in the powerplay itself. The pressure will be on the middle order to finish well.
V
Vikram M
Holder is a smart buy. Experienced, can bowl in the powerplay, and hit sixes at the death. That's exactly what you need on Indian pitches. GT's think tank of Nehra and Parthiv knows what they're doing. Trophy coming back to Ahmedabad? 😉
K
Karthik V
Good analysis, but I feel they're putting too much pressure on Shubman Gill as captain and opener. He's a brilliant batsman, but leading such a high-profile side is a different ball game. Hope he gets the support he needs from the seniors.

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