Former Chennai Super Kings batter Anirudha Srikkanth has identified Kolkata Knight Riders star Venkatesh Iyer as the potential solution to Gujarat Titans' persistent middle-order batting problems ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season.
GT's Batting Imbalance Exposed
Despite another successful campaign that saw them reach the playoffs for the third time in four years, Gujarat Titans' middle-order troubles became increasingly evident throughout the 2025 season. Their top three batsmen - the explosive Shubman Gill, consistent Sai Sudharsan, and experienced Jos Buttler - all crossed the 500-run mark individually, creating a formidable top order.
However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled significantly to make any substantial impact, creating a noticeable imbalance in the team's scoring capabilities. This over-reliance on their top order was highlighted by former Australian batting great Matthew Hayden during his analysis on JioStar.
Expert Recommendation for Number 4 Slot
Speaking on Star Sports just before the retention deadline, Anirudha Srikkanth provided a specific solution to Gujarat Titans' batting conundrum. "An ideal fit for GT will be Venkatesh Iyer. He has gone for 23.75 crores so KKR will surely release him. He will be perfect for GT at the No. 4 position," Srikkanth stated confidently.
The former CSK player emphasized that Gujarat Titans have all other positions adequately covered and only require reinforcement in that crucial number four batting slot. "GT is actually a very settled team. They are only missing a batter in that position," he added, underscoring the team's overall stability apart from this specific gap.
Venkatesh Iyer's Rollercoaster IPL Journey
Venkatesh Iyer experienced a challenging 2025 season with Kolkata Knight Riders, managing just 142 runs in 11 matches during what proved to be a difficult campaign for both player and franchise. KKR's inconsistent performance saw them finish eighth in the standings with only five victories.
However, the left-handed batsman has previously demonstrated his value as one of KKR's most reliable performers. He played a crucial role in their title-winning 2024 campaign, scoring 370 runs at an impressive strike rate close to 159. Iyer had also recorded his highest IPL total of 404 runs during the 2023 season, showcasing his potential when in form.
GT's Playoff Performance and Future Plans
Gujarat Titans concluded the league stage in third position with nine wins from 14 matches, demonstrating their overall competitiveness despite the middle-order issues. The team is expected to make strategic adjustments during the upcoming mini-auction, with strengthening their middle-order batting remaining the top priority as they prepare for IPL 2026.
The franchise's management will likely be considering Srikkanth's recommendation seriously as they look to build a more balanced squad capable of converting playoff appearances into championship victories.
