Ashutosh Sharma has joined Gujarat for the 2026–2027 domestic season after splitting from Railroads. On October 5, 2026, the Gujarat Cricket Association verified the change. Ashutosh, who plays finisher for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, would probably be included in Gujarat’s white-ball preparations for the upcoming season.
In preparation for the upcoming season, Gujarat has signed three professionals in total. In addition to Ashutosh, Rajasthan legspinner Ravi Bishnoi and fast bowler Ashok Sharma have also pledged to the association. Bishnoi’s leg-spin gives Gujarat a new dimension in their bowling attack, while Ashok Sharma is currently dealing with an injury that makes his availability for the early matches uncertain.
Originally from Madhya Pradesh, Ashutosh started his senior white-ball career there before switching to Railroads. When he played for Hampshire in the One-Day Cup in England—a team owned by GMR—his bond with GMR Group grew stronger. It is believed that this experience solidified his position inside the GMR network and paved the way for his relocation to Gujarat.
Ashutosh Sharma relocated to Gujarat, but why?
The Gujarat Cricket Association and Railroads have not made their reasons for the transfer known. It seems evident that GMR Group, which owns Hampshire and co-owns the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, was instrumental in setting up the changeover. Ashutosh became more familiar with the GMR setup during his stint at Hampshire, and it seems like Gujarat is more interested in him for white-ball cricket than red-ball versions.
Rather than being a reaction to a single gap, Gujarat’s simultaneous entrance of three professionals suggests a larger squad-building exercise. Ashutosh’s lower-order hitting would be complemented by Ravi Bishnoi’s leg-spin and Ashok Sharma’s pace after he returns from his present injury, giving the team more versatility in all limited-overs forms.
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In preparation for the 2026–2027 season, Gujarat has also reorganised its coaching staff. Ramesh Powar will be replaced as head coach by Monty Desai. Before taking on the Gujarat position, Desai worked with Nepal and, more recently, led Canada. He has a wealth of foreign coaching experience.
Meanwhile, Ramesh Powar has taken on new responsibilities. In addition to applying for a spot on the men’s junior selection panel, he started working as a spin bowling consultant for the Australia Under-19 team. Gujarat appears to be approaching the 2026–27 domestic schedule with a clear intention to restructure their team and support system, as seen by the addition of three new pros and a new head coach.
