IPL Auction: 'No player is out of consideration' - Parthiv Patel addresses Gujarat Titan’s middle-order options

Gujarat Titans strengthened their squad at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi by acquiring Jason Holder for Rs 7 crore along with Ashok Sharma, Tom Banton, Luke Wood, and Prithvi Raj Yarra.

Assistant coach Parthiv Patel discussed the team's strategy regarding their middle-order batting options, including existing players Glenn Phillips and Washington Sundar, and new recruit Tom Banton.The Titans' most significant purchase was West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder, who commanded the highest price among their acquisitions at the Etihad Arena.

Regarding the team's middle-order batting position, particularly the number four slot, Patel explained that all three players - Phillips, Sundar, and Banton - are in consideration for selection based on match conditions."So basically, when we pick a team, it's in our mind that whichever player comes in, he should fit in our team and be ready to play in the eleven," Patel said to IndiaTV during the media interaction after the IPL auction."So obviously, the way the pitch conditions will be, the way we feel on the ground and in the nets, we will decide according to that. But whether it's Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, or Tom Banton, who we took in the auction, no player is out of consideration.

But we have the luxury that we have such players who can play at any number anywhere," he added.When questioned about choosing Banton over Jamie Smith, despite Smith's recent impressive performance in the Test series against India, Patel emphasized Banton's prior IPL experience as a key factor."No, it's not that we don't have any interest. Obviously, Tom Banton and Jamie Smith have almost the same kind of skill set.

But Tom Banton has more experience. He has played in the IPL before. He is doing well in international cricket. So that's why we had to choose one out of the two," Patel explained.He further elaborated on Banton's selection: "But for that, we were very sure before in the way we were thinking, and that's why we took Tom Banton in the team. He brings a lot of value in terms of experience and batting at any number. Also, he is someone who can bat from the top till wherever we want."The team's strategy appears focused on maintaining flexibility in their batting lineup while prioritizing players with proven IPL experience.