Gujarat Titans May Release Shahrukh Khan and Glenn Phillips Ahead of IPL 2027 Auction

Gujarat Titans are considering releasing Indian middle-order batter Shahrukh Khan and New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips ahead of the IPL 2027 mini auction, according to a PTI report published on October 21, 2026. The two players have combined contracts worth ₹6 crore, while South African wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen could remain part of the franchise’s plans.

However, GT have not officially released either player, and their final retention decisions are still pending.

The possible changes come after Gujarat Titans finished runners-up in IPL 2026, losing the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by five wickets.

Gujarat Titans IPL 2027 Released Players: Latest Report

According to the latest Khel Now report citing PTI, Gujarat Titans are unlikely to make major changes to their established squad.

Instead, the franchise could review two middle-order players who struggled for consistent opportunities and performances during IPL 2026.

The figures are based on Gujarat Titans’ IPL 2026 player records.

The report names Shahrukh and Phillips as possible departures. Esterhuizen is a separate case because he joined as an injury replacement during the season.

None of these players has been officially confirmed as retained or released for IPL 2027.

Why Could Gujarat Titans Release Shahrukh Khan?

Shahrukh Khan joined Gujarat Titans before IPL 2024 and was retained for ₹4 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction.

The Tamil Nadu batter was expected to provide power-hitting in the middle order, particularly when GT needed quick runs during the final overs.

However, his performances declined in IPL 2026.

Shahrukh Khan’s Recent IPL Performance

Shahrukh managed only 43 runs in nine matches during IPL 2026, with a highest score of 17.

His limited contribution has raised questions about whether Gujarat should retain him or explore a different Indian middle-order option.

That decision matters because GT already have an established top three featuring Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler.

The franchise needs reliable support when those batters are dismissed early, along with someone capable of accelerating at the death.

Shahrukh remains a powerful domestic batter, but Gujarat must assess whether his current role justifies another season at ₹4 crore.

Why Is Glenn Phillips Also Facing a Possible IPL 2027 Exit?

Glenn Phillips joined Gujarat Titans for ₹2 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The New Zealand international offers aggressive batting, off-spin bowling and outstanding fielding ability.

However, he struggled to establish a regular position in Gujarat’s playing XI.

Phillips did not play a match during IPL 2025 and received opportunities in six matches in 2026.

He scored 67 runs at a strike rate of 124.07 during the latest season.

His lack of consistent playing opportunities is partly connected to Gujarat’s overseas combinations.

GT have established international players including Jos Buttler, Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada.

That leaves limited overseas positions available for additional batters and all-rounders.

Phillips provides flexibility, but the franchise must decide whether keeping him as a reserve is more valuable than releasing him and pursuing another player.

His release remains a possibility, not a confirmed decision.

How Much Money Could GT Free Up by Releasing Both Players?

If Gujarat Titans release Shahrukh Khan and Glenn Phillips at their current contract values, the franchise could free up ₹6 crore in salary commitments.

This calculation assumes both players are released without other contract adjustments.

It does not represent Gujarat Titans’ total IPL 2027 auction purse.

Their final available budget will also depend on other retained players, completed trades, additional releases and the applicable auction rules.

The IPL 2027 auction is currently planned for December 16 at ITC Grand Goa, with formal public confirmation still awaited.

Why Gujarat Titans Need More Runs From the Middle Order

Gujarat Titans reached the IPL 2026 final with one of the strongest top orders in the competition.

Their three leading batters delivered outstanding individual seasons.

Gill, Sudharsan and Buttler combined for 1,980 runs.

However, Gujarat’s dependence on the top order became a concern when early wickets exposed the middle-order batting.

In the IPL 2026 final, GT managed 155/8 against RCB. Washington Sundar’s unbeaten half-century helped the team recover, but Bengaluru completed the chase in 18 overs.

This does not mean Shahrukh and Phillips alone were responsible for Gujarat’s batting problems.

Both received fewer opportunities than the established top-order players.

Still, the difference in contributions helps explain why the franchise could review its middle-order options ahead of IPL 2027.

The latest Gujarat Titans team and squad updates will reflect any confirmed changes.

Will Gujarat Titans Retain Connor Esterhuizen for IPL 2027?

Connor Esterhuizen is reportedly part of Gujarat Titans’ plans for IPL 2027, but his retention has not been officially confirmed.

The South African wicketkeeper-batter joined GT in April 2026 as an injury replacement for England’s Tom Banton.

He was signed for ₹75 lakh after Banton was ruled out with a finger injury.

Esterhuizen did not feature in an IPL match during the 2026 season.

His situation is different from those of Shahrukh and Phillips because he joined through a replacement arrangement.

The original injury-replacement signing should not automatically be treated as a confirmed permanent IPL 2027 contract.

GT will need to clarify his status through the applicable squad and retention process.

If Esterhuizen remains with Gujarat, he would provide another overseas wicketkeeping and batting option alongside Jos Buttler.

What Could Gujarat Titans Target at the IPL 2027 Auction?

Gujarat Titans do not need a complete squad rebuild after reaching the 2026 final.

Their bowling attack already includes Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore.

The main question is how to strengthen the batting below their established top order.

If Shahrukh and Phillips leave, GT could prioritise:

• An Indian middle-order batter who can handle spin and accelerate after the powerplay.
• A reliable finisher capable of scoring quickly in the final five overs.
• A versatile overseas batter who offers enough additional value to justify an overseas playing XI slot.

These are squad requirements based on Gujarat’s current balance, not confirmed auction targets.

The franchise’s final plans will depend on which players are retained and how much money becomes available.

When Will Gujarat Titans Announce Their IPL 2027 Retained and Released Players?

November 15, 2026, is the reported deadline for IPL franchises to submit their retention and release lists.

However, a fresh official BCCI advisory confirming the deadline is still awaited.

Until GT announce their decisions, Shahrukh Khan and Glenn Phillips should remain listed as reported release candidates, not officially released players.

The complete IPL 2027 released players list will track confirmed departures across all 10 franchises.

Will Shahrukh Khan and Glenn Phillips Play for GT in IPL 2027?

Their IPL 2027 futures remain uncertain.

The October 21 PTI report suggests that Gujarat Titans could release both players, while Connor Esterhuizen may remain part of the franchise’s plans.

However, no final decisions have been publicly confirmed.

As of October 21, 2026, Shahrukh Khan and Glenn Phillips remain potential Gujarat Titans releases, with a combined ₹6 crore contract value at stake.

For GT, the reported changes point towards a targeted middle-order adjustment rather than a major overhaul of the squad that reached the IPL 2026 final.