Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh questioned the Gujarat Titans batters’ approach after they suffered a three-wicket loss against the Punjab Kings at New Chandigarh on Tuesday. Singh called out Jos Buttler and Glenn Phillips for their timid approach against the Mohali-based franchise.

While Buttler was dismissed after scoring 38 runs off 33 balls, Phillips was sent back to the pavilion after managing 25 runs off 17 balls. Buttler was caught brilliantly at long-on by Xavier Bartlett, whereas Phillips was caught at long-off by Marco Jansen as he failed to judge Vijaykumar Vyshak’s slower delivery.

Eventually, GT could only post 162 runs on the board, which proved to be a below-par score.

Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube Channel, “When Gill got out, Buttler and Phillips slowed things down completely. They were just looking to take singles and doubles. They made no effort to hit boundaries during that period. As a result, they ended up being at least 20-25 runs short. It was not like runs could not be scored; it was just that they did not show any intent. At least show that intent and attempt to score boundaries.”

The Turbanator said GT’s batter Shahrukh Khan, who was dismissed after scoring only four runs, rarely delivers for the team.

He said, “Shahrukh Khan to kabhi kabhar hi chalte hai (he performs once in a while).”

Khan had managed 179 runs in 11 innings in IPL 2025 at an average of 29.83 and a strike rate of 179, and thus had done a good job for the IPL 2022 champions. But he has managed only two fifties in 56 IPL matches. GT had retained Shahrukh Khan for INR 4 crore ahead of IPL 2026 auction. 

Gujarat Titans will next take on Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Saturday.