'He's not bowling well': Rashid Khan slammed as Glenn Phillips' inclusion demanded in GT XI

Gujarat Titans have had a good start to the tournament by winning two out of their first three matches. However, there are still some gaps that need to be filled. One of those gaps is the indifferent form of Rashid Khan.

Former India opener and cricket expert Aakash Chopra feels that Rashid Khan's lack of form can be a huge cause of concern for Gujarat Titans. Chopra also pointed out the exclusion of Glenn Phillips from the Playing XI.

He called for Phillips to be included in the Playing XI now since Kagiso Rabada is unavailable and there is a spot for an overseas player. The Titans are yet to give a game to Glenn Phillips as they have preferred the West Indies allrounder Sherfane Rutherford over him.

Aakash Chopra wants Glenn Phillips in GT's Playing XI

While speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra called for Glenn Phillips to be included in the Gujarat Titans Playing XI alongside Sherfane Rutherford. Chopra feels that Rabada's absence paves the way for Phillips to be included.

"If Kagiso Rabada is not there and you don't wish to play Gerald Coetzee, I feel you should play both Glenn Phillips and Sherfane Rutherford. I didn't understand the logic, that you are playing with three overseas players as Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia, the Indian batters, are more valuable for you. I don't think that's the smartest thing to do," said Chopra.

Kagiso Rabada returned home from IPL to South Africa citing personal reasons. He missed the last match and is likely to miss the upcoming match as well. As a result, New Zealand's star cricketer Glenn Phillips could get his first game of the season.

Phillips is not only a powerful batter but is also an exceptional fielder and can change the course of the game through his fielding. The other overseas player Sherfane Rutherford has made good contributions this season and is likely to keep his place for the next game as well.

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Aakash Chopra questions Rashid Khan's bowling form

While speaking in the same video, Aakash Chopra questioned Rashid Khan's form and felt that it could be a cause of concern for the team going ahead. The former India opener exclaimed that Rashid hasn't looked like the same bowler and needs to do something different.

"They (GT) bowl very well. Arshad (Khan) and Ishant (Sharma) aren't bowling their full overs. So that might be a bit of a concern, but the only big concern is that Khan sahab is not bowling well. He is not looking the same bowler, and that is something that must change," he added.

It has been surprising to see a bowler of the caliber of Rashid Khan going for plenty of runs in the tournament so far. Rashid has been one of the best bowlers in the tournament ever since he made his IPL debut.

Rashid Khan's numbers in IPL 2025

Rashid Khan has picked up just a solitary wicket this season so far in three matches at an economy rate of 11.20. His numbers are one of the worst of the season so far and he will be looking to improve that in the upcoming match.

Rashid is one of the most successful bowlers in IPL history with 150 wickets in 124 matches at an average of 22.42 and an economy rate of 6.91. The upcoming match against SRH will be a big challenge for him since it will be played at a batting-friendly Hyderabad against a dangerous batting line-up.