Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth has opined that Rashid Khan is past his best ahead of IPL 2026. Srikkanth highlighted that batters either smash the leg-spinner or they play him out. Khan was far from his best in IPL 2025, taking nine wickets in 15 matches at an average of 57.11 and an economy rate of 9.34.

Furthermore, in IPL 2024, the Afghanistan spinner took 10 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 36.70 and an economy rate of 8.40.

Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube Channel, “Rashid Khan has become over the hill. Batters have started smashing him. They have figured him out. Either they play him out or smash him. But he is their star spinner, so they have to play him.”

Srikkanth said Washington Sundar should get his chances in the playing XI of Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026.

“They are an in-between side like RR. They are neither deadly nor bad. The spin trio of Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, and Sai Kishore will control their bowling. How well they use Sundar and Sai Kishore is in their hands. Sundar was in the T20 World Cup team, but when it comes to the IPL, he doesn’t play in the 11 often. He should be a certainty in the 11. Only if all three spinners play, will there be variety in the 11,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the 1983 World Cup-winning player said GT captain Shubman Gill will have a point to prove in IPL 2026.

“He will have a point to prove after being dropped from the T20 World Cup. He was even the vice captain, so he will come in with a sense of determination,” said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).

Srikkanth also backed Jos Buttler to deliver the goods for GT in the upcoming season.

“Buttler will definitely perform well. Once it’s the IPL, he’ll deliver. He becomes a different level player when it comes to the IPL. Buttler was too desperate in the T20 World Cup, which he should avoid in the IPL.”