Former Team India cricketer Anil Kumble feels that Afghanistan`s star spinner Rashid Khan`s workload needs to be managed for the Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 edition.
He also said that bowlers such as Rahul Tewatia and Washington Sundar can contribute more for the franchise in the upcoming edition of the cash-rich league.
Speaking on the TATA IPL Auction Review, Kumble said, “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”.
The former cricketer Irfan Pathan heaped praise on Jason Holder by saying that the Gujarat-based franchise has shown a lot of faith in him and feels that the team`s strength will be their top three batsmen.
“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,” he said.
The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is likely to take place from March 26 to May 31. Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release the complete schedule, the upcoming edition of the marquee event is expected to begin around three weeks after the T20 World Cup 2026.
The global showpiece is set to begin from February 7 to March 8, and will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka, according to ESPNcricinfo.
The IPL will also overlap with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for the second consecutive year. The PSL will kick off from March 26 to May 3.
(With ANI Inputs)
