Gujarat Titans (GT) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are discussing a possible trade involving fast bowler Harshal Patel forward of the IPL 2027 season. In line with Cricinfo, the franchises are exploring two choices to complete the deal, with English wicketkeeper-batter Tom Banton potentially shifting to SRH.
With the November 17 retention deadline approaching, all 10 franchises are expected to finalise their squads before the December 16 mini-auction in Goa. A number of teams have already made changes by way of trades, as they look to handle squad weaknesses and strengthen their combos for the upcoming season.
GT and SRH Discuss Harshal Patel Trade By Two Potential Choices
In line with Cricinfo, the primary option underneath discussion is a direct participant change involving Harshal Patel and Tom Banton. Under this arrangement, the Indian pacer would be part of Gujarat, while the English wicketkeeper-batter would transfer to Hyderabad.
The second possibility is an outright money deal, with Gujarat paying Sunrisers the required transfer amount to sign Harshal. The franchises might consider this route if they fail to succeed in an agreement over the proposed participant swap.
Harshal Patel was one of the league’s most reliable wicket-takers. He gained the Purple Cap with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2024 after claiming 24 wickets. Hyderabad signed him for ₹8 crore at the 2025 mega public sale.
The 35-year-old justified the investment in his first season with SRH, taking 16 wickets in 13 matches. He also grew to become the fastest bowler to succeed in 150 IPL wickets when it comes to deliveries bowled. However, his kind dipped considerably within the following season.
Harshal played 5 matches in IPL 2026, bowling 13.4 overs and conceding 148 runs with out taking a wicket. He was subsequently dropped for the Eliminator towards Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Tom Banton Might Give Sunrisers Hyderabad Another Aggressive Batting Possibility
Tom Banton might transfer to Hyderabad if both franchises comply with the participant change. Gujarat signed the 27-year-old for ₹2 crore at the 2026 mini-auction, but a finger harm dominated him out in April before he might make his debut. The Titans brought in Connor Esterhuizen as his substitute.
The Englishman might supply SRH an attacking wicketkeeper-batter option and add depth to their prime order. Hyderabad’s batting remained comparatively settled throughout their third-place finish in IPL 2026, but Banton might provide one other power-hitting option.
For Gujarat, Harshal Patel would convey considerable IPL experience and strengthen their domestic pace attack. The Titans completed within the prime two underneath captain Shubman Gill before reaching the playoffs, and the Indian pacer’s slower balls and variations might show useful through the death overs.
SRH Continue to Reshape Bowling Assault After Multiple IPL Trades
Hyderabad have already been among the busiest franchises within the trade window. The 2016 champions gained 9 of their 14 league matches in IPL 2026 before Rajasthan Royals eliminated them. While their batting was consistent, their bowling proved a weakness at several phases.
SRH lately acquired T Natarajan from Delhi Capitals (DC) for ₹5 crore. They also accomplished a four-player trade with Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK), bringing again left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed for ₹4.8 crore and signing Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis for ₹2 crore.
In the same deal, England all-rounder Liam Livingstone moved to Chennai for ₹6 crore, while Australian all-rounder Jack Edwards also joined CSK. Hyderabad also sent spinner Zeeshan Ansari to Delhi Capitals as part of their squad changes.
With the retention deadline approaching, SRH might further reshape its squad by buying and selling Harshal Patel for Tom Banton. However, the two teams are nonetheless discussing the possible arrangements forward of the mini-auction.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
