Published on: Nov 9, 2026 11:12 am IST|Updated on: Nov 9, 2026 11:12 am IST
Delhi Capitals’ finisher Ashutosh Sharma is again in the news for a possible trade. As the retention deadline of IPL 2027 nears, 2022 champions Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals have carried on advanced discussions for a potential player swap involving Ashutosh Sharma. The 28-year-old explosive middle-order batter could find a new home in the Titans for the next edition of IPL 2027 to fortify their lower-order finishing options.
The Titans, for the past two seasons, have relied heavily on their top 3 in the batting unit, which include Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, and Jos Buttler. Besides the top 3, none of the other batters have been given a long run, and their finishers have been a major flop, especially Washington Sundar, who bats at no 4 or 5 quite often. To prolong their batting lineup, Ashutosh Sharma could simply be the best option.
The Capitals have been working on building a potent pace-bowling unit ahead of the IPL 2027. With Mitchell Starc expected to skip the upcoming season for national duties, Delhi will be left with a major void to be filled. Auqib Nabi and Mukesh Kumar do have talent, but experience is something that is lacking in the current DC’s pace bowling attack.
The Titans, meanwhile, have a plethora of pacers, including Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Arshad Khan, and Gurnoor Brar. They could go after Mohammed Siraj or bring back their very own pacer, Kagiso Rabada, to the squad. Siraj will give them an edge, as he is an experienced Indian pacer who could guide the domestic lot for good. Meanwhile, Rabada brings raw pace and energy and could be a vital pick if Starc misses the upcoming season. Both Rabada and Siraj have the ability to lead the pace attack and could be a massive trade if it goes through.
Reports indicate that GT are open to offering an established Indian fast bowler as part of a straight swap package to seal the deal for Ashutosh. Reflecting on the trade discussions, a report detailing the negotiations noted:
“The Shubman Gill-led Titans are understood to have approached the Capitals about acquiring Sharma, who has been on their radar for a couple of months, though Delhi did not respond immediately when first contacted.”
It further added:
“Gujarat Titans appear to be looking for a reliable finisher to bolster their batting unit. Their pace attack is already well stocked, which suggests they may be willing to offer one of their fast bowlers as part of a trade package in exchange for Sharma.”
Whether Ashutosh Sharma gets swapped with a Gujarat Titans pace bowler or not, all will be decided before the November 17 retention deadline. The hyperactive IPL 2027 trade window has already seen several high-profile player transfers finalized across franchises.
The Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad have completed a four-player trade: CSK sent English all-rounder Liam Livingstone and Aussie pacer Jack Edwards to SRH in exchange for Aussie pacer Nathan Ellis and Indian left-arm pacer K. Khaleel Ahmed.
In another trade involving the Delhi Capitals, they also gained the services of right-arm Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari in exchange for left-arm pacer T Natarajan, who is back with the Sunrisers, the team where he had his most successful IPL years.