Ahmedabad: Gujarat Titans (GT), led by Shubman Gill, are reportedly exploring a surprise trade move for Delhi Capitals’ (DC) explosive Indian batter Ashutosh Sharma ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season. The franchise is keen to strengthen its lower-middle order by bringing in the 28-year-old power-hitter, who has established himself as an effective finisher in T20 cricket.

Ashutosh, who was purchased by Delhi Capitals for Rs 3.8 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, has attracted attention because of his aggressive batting and ability to turn matches around in difficult situations. He has scored runs at an impressive IPL strike rate of 168.86, making him an attractive option for teams looking to strengthen their finishing department.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, Gujarat Titans approached Delhi Capitals a couple of months ago to enquire about Ashutosh’s availability. However, DC did not provide an immediate response to the proposal.

With the IPL 2027 trade window generating considerable interest, the possibility of a deal being revisited has emerged. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are also reportedly among the franchises that could explore a move for the aggressive Indian batter.

Gujarat Titans identify Ashutosh Sharma as finishing solution

Gujarat Titans’ reported interest in Ashutosh Sharma reflects the franchise’s desire to address a weakness that has affected its batting combination.

GT have built their batting around a strong top order featuring captain Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and England’s Jos Buttler. The trio has provided considerable consistency, but the franchise has struggled on occasions when its top-order batters have failed to deliver.

The middle and lower order have not always provided the required finishing contribution.

Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia were expected to play important roles in the final overs, but their performances have not been consistent enough to completely resolve the team’s finishing concerns.

Ashutosh could offer a different dimension to the batting line-up.

The right-handed batter is known for his aggressive approach and ability to attack fast bowlers as well as spinners. His strike rate of 168.86 in the IPL demonstrates his potential to score quickly and change the direction of a match within a few overs.

For a team such as Gujarat Titans, adding an Indian finisher would also provide greater flexibility when selecting overseas players.

The franchise could then use its overseas slots to strengthen other departments while retaining a powerful Indian batting option towards the end of the innings.

Ashutosh Sharma’s IPL performances attract attention

Ashutosh Sharma has developed a reputation as an explosive middle-order batter since making his IPL debut.

He initially represented Punjab Kings before joining Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2025 season.

Delhi Capitals secured his services for Rs 3.8 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, recognising his potential as a powerful finisher.

One of his most memorable performances came against Lucknow Super Giants in DC’s opening match of IPL 2025.

Chasing a challenging target, Delhi Capitals found themselves in a difficult position before Ashutosh produced a remarkable innings.

He scored an unbeaten 66 off just 31 deliveries, helping Delhi complete a dramatic chase and secure victory by one wicket.

His innings included powerful hitting and an ability to maintain composure under pressure.

The performance demonstrated why franchises value Indian finishers who can contribute in difficult run-chase situations.

Ashutosh has also shown that he can score rapidly without requiring an extended period to settle at the crease.

His ability to enter the batting order during the final overs and immediately attack opposition bowlers makes him an interesting transfer target for Gujarat Titans.

Delhi Capitals could reconsider their trade options

Delhi Capitals have not reportedly accepted Gujarat Titans’ initial proposal for Ashutosh Sharma.

However, changes to the franchise’s support staff could influence its squad-planning decisions ahead of IPL 2027.

Former India captain and head coach Sourav Ganguly is leading the new support structure at Delhi Capitals.

The changes could provide an opportunity for the franchise to reassess its existing squad and identify areas where improvements are required.

If Delhi decide that Ashutosh is available for a trade, the franchise would likely seek a player who addresses an important weakness in its bowling department.

According to the report, DC could be interested in acquiring a fast bowler from a franchise that has sufficient pace-bowling resources.

This is where Gujarat Titans could become an attractive trading partner.

Gujarat have several fast-bowling options, while Delhi could potentially benefit from adding another quality Indian pacer to its squad.

However, no agreement has been officially confirmed, and the reported discussions should be treated as preliminary trade interest rather than a completed transfer.

Lucknow Super Giants also monitoring Ashutosh Sharma

Gujarat Titans may not be the only franchise interested in Ashutosh Sharma.

Lucknow Super Giants have also emerged as a possible destination for the Delhi Capitals batter.

LSG have been looking to build a balanced batting combination capable of performing consistently throughout the tournament.

A player with Ashutosh’s finishing ability could strengthen their lower-middle order and provide another attacking option.

The potential interest from Lucknow also increases Delhi Capitals’ negotiating options.

If more than one franchise approaches DC, the management could explore different player-exchange arrangements and assess which deal offers the greatest benefit.

The possibility of receiving a fast bowler in exchange for Ashutosh appears to be an important factor in the reported negotiations.

For Gujarat and Lucknow, acquiring an Indian power-hitter could be particularly valuable because quality domestic finishers are difficult to find in the IPL auction.

Gujarat Titans could offer Ashok Sharma in another trade proposal

Interestingly, the Cricbuzz report also suggests that Gujarat Titans have explored another possible trade involving a different franchise.

GT reportedly approached a franchise regarding a finisher and were open to offering young fast bowler Ashok Sharma as part of the arrangement.

Ashok, aged 24, attracted attention during IPL 2026 because of his exceptional pace.

He recorded the fastest delivery of the 2026 season at 154.2 kmph, demonstrating his ability to generate considerable speed.

However, he lost his place in the Gujarat Titans playing XI during the second half of the tournament.

His potential availability in a trade could therefore provide Gujarat with an opportunity to strengthen its batting department while allowing another franchise to acquire a promising fast bowler.

Ashok’s pace makes him an attractive prospect, particularly for teams looking to improve their fast-bowling resources.

However, Gujarat would need to carefully evaluate whether trading a young bowler with considerable potential is the right decision for its long-term plans.

The reported willingness to consider Ashok in a player exchange also indicates how seriously Gujarat are approaching their search for a dependable finisher.

Why Gujarat Titans need a powerful middle-order batter

Gujarat Titans have traditionally relied on their top-order batting strength.

Gill, Sudharsan and Buttler provide a combination of stability, experience and attacking ability.

However, the dependence on the top three can become a problem when opposition teams dismiss two or three key batters early.

The middle order must then take responsibility for rebuilding the innings while maintaining a competitive scoring rate.

Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia were expected to provide that finishing ability, but inconsistent performances have made the search for another option important.

Ashutosh could help address this problem.

His aggressive approach would allow GT to maintain pressure on opposition bowlers during the final overs.

He could also provide the team with another Indian batting option, reducing the need to depend on overseas players for lower-order hitting.

For Gill, strengthening the finishing department could be an important part of Gujarat’s preparation for the next IPL season.

Conclusion: Ashutosh trade could reshape Gujarat Titans’ batting

Gujarat Titans’ reported interest in Ashutosh Sharma highlights the franchise’s determination to improve its middle-order batting ahead of IPL 2027.

The 28-year-old Delhi Capitals batter has demonstrated his ability to produce match-winning performances, particularly through his unbeaten 66 off 31 deliveries against Lucknow Super Giants in 2025.

Delhi could consider a trade if they receive an appropriate fast-bowling option in return, while Lucknow Super Giants are also reportedly monitoring the situation.

Gujarat’s willingness to explore Ashok Sharma as part of another potential trade further underlines its focus on acquiring a reliable finisher.

However, these developments remain reported trade discussions, and no official transfer has been announced.

If Gujarat manage to secure Ashutosh’s services, the move could give Shubman Gill’s team a more powerful lower-middle order and provide greater depth to its IPL 2027 campaign.