Gujarat Titans have entered into discussions with Delhi Capitals over a potential trade for right-hand batter Ashutosh Sharma, with the IPL trade and retention deadline falling on November 17, 2026. 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.
Sharma, 28, was picked up by Delhi Capitals at the mega auction two years ago for INR 3.8 crore, having previously represented Punjab Kings. In the last IPL season, he scored 171 runs across eight games at a strike rate of over 180, underlining his value as a hard-hitting finisher in the middle order. He has also recently switched his domestic cricket allegiance from Madhya Pradesh to Gujarat, which adds an interesting dimension to the Titans’ interest in him.
Why are Gujarat Titans keen on Ashutosh Sharma?
Gujarat Titans appear to be looking for a reliable finisher to bolster their batting unit. Their pace attack is already well stocked, featuring the likes of Arshad Khan, Gurnoor Brar, Kulwant Khejroliya, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Ishant Sharma, which suggests they may be willing to offer one of their fast bowlers as part of a trade package in exchange for Sharma.
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This is not the first time GT have explored this avenue. A few months ago, the Titans approached another franchise about a finisher, but that offer was not taken up. Ashok Sharma had represented India in two T20 Internationals in July 2026, which had raised his profile ahead of the trade window. Apart from the Ashutosh Sharma discussions, the broader IPL trade market has been active, with Delhi Capitals having recently sent T Natarajan to Sunrisers Hyderabad in a separate deal.
What is Delhi Capitals’ position ahead of the November 17 deadline?
Delhi Capitals are navigating several moving parts as the November 17 deadline approaches. The franchise faces uncertainty over whether Mitchell Starc will be available for the upcoming season, which could influence their decision-making around the squad composition and any outgoing trades.
Lucknow Super Giants are another franchise with a packed pace battery, comprising Prince Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Anrich Nortje, Mayank Yadav, Akash Singh and Arjun Tendulkar, making them an unlikely destination for any surplus GT pacers. As of November 8, 2026, no official confirmation of a completed GT-DC trade has been issued by either franchise, and discussions remain ongoing ahead of the deadline.
