Here is Why Ishant Sharma Isn’t Playing Today’s IPL 2025 Match 26 Against LSG

By Smrati Khare 12 Apr 2025, 11:01 IST

Why Ishant Sharma Isn’t Playing Today's IPL Match 26 Against LSG

Veteran Indian pacer Ishant Sharma has been dropped from the Gujarat Titans‘ playing XI for Match 26 of IPL 2025 against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. His absence has sparked curiosity among fans, especially considering GT’s strong run in the tournament so far. Keep Reading To find out Why Ishant Sharma Is not Playing Today.

Here’s the real reason why Ishant Sharma isn’t playing today.

Ishant Sharma Dropped Due to Form and Code of Conduct Breach

According to official reports, Ishant Sharma was excluded from the Gujarat Titans lineup due to a combination of poor recent performances and a disciplinary issue in the previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Poor On-Field Performance

In the match vs SRH, Ishant:

Conceded 53 runs in 4 overs

Went wicketless for the third consecutive game

Recorded an economy rate of over 12 across those matches

His inability to control the run flow or provide breakthroughs prompted GT management to reconsider his role in the side.

IPL Code of Conduct Violation

Post-match, Ishant Sharma was fined 25% of his match fee and received one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct under Level 1 – Article 2.2, which deals with actions outside the spirit of the game, including damaging equipment.

Ishant admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction imposed by the match referee.

Who Replaces Ishant Sharma in GT’s Playing XI?

In today’s match, Arshad Khan replaces Ishant Sharma in Gujarat Titans’ XI. The left-arm pacer has shown promise in previous appearances and brings a fresh dynamic to the attack, complementing in-form bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Rashid Khan.

This move is also seen as a way to strengthen GT’s bowling lineup, especially on the black soil pitch in Lucknow that supports bowlers who can vary pace and bowl into the surface.