Gujarat Titans (GT) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are discussing a potential trade involving fast bowler Harshal Patel ahead of the IPL 2027 season. According to Cricinfo, the franchises are exploring two options to complete the deal, with English wicketkeeper-batter Tom Banton potentially moving 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. Several teams have already made changes through trades, as they look to address squad weaknesses and strengthen their combinations for the upcoming season.

GT and SRH Discuss Harshal Patel Trade Through Two Possible Options

According to Cricinfo, the first option under discussion is a direct player exchange involving Harshal Patel and Tom Banton. Under this arrangement, the Indian pacer would join Gujarat, while the English wicketkeeper-batter would move to Hyderabad.

The second possibility is an outright cash deal, with Gujarat paying Sunrisers the required transfer amount to sign Harshal. The franchises could consider this route if they fail to reach an agreement over the proposed player swap.

Harshal Patel was one of the league's most reliable wicket-takers. He won the Purple Cap with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2024 after claiming 24 wickets. Hyderabad signed him for ₹8 crore at the 2025 mega auction.

The 35-year-old justified the investment in his first season with SRH, taking 16 wickets in 13 matches. He also became the fastest bowler to reach 150 IPL wickets in terms of deliveries bowled. However, his form dipped significantly in the following season.

Harshal played five matches in IPL 2026, bowling 13.4 overs and conceding 148 runs without taking a wicket. He was subsequently dropped for the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals (RR).

Tom Banton Could Give Sunrisers Hyderabad Another Aggressive Batting Option

Tom Banton could move to Hyderabad if both franchises agree to the player exchange. Gujarat signed the 27-year-old for ₹2 crore at the 2026 mini-auction, but a finger injury ruled him out in April before he could make his debut. The Titans brought in Connor Esterhuizen as his replacement.

The Englishman could offer SRH an attacking wicketkeeper-batter option and add depth to their top order. Hyderabad's batting remained relatively settled during their third-place finish in IPL 2026, but Banton could provide another power-hitting option.

For Gujarat, Harshal Patel would bring considerable IPL experience and strengthen their domestic pace attack. The Titans finished in the top two under captain Shubman Gill before reaching the playoffs, and the Indian pacer's slower balls and variations could prove useful during the death overs.

SRH Continue to Reshape Bowling Attack After Multiple IPL Trades

Hyderabad have already been among the busiest franchises in the trade window. The 2016 champions won nine 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 stages.

SRH recently acquired T Natarajan from Delhi Capitals (DC) for ₹5 crore. They also completed a four-player trade with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), bringing back 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 could further reshape its squad by trading Harshal Patel for Tom Banton. However, the two teams are still discussing the possible arrangements ahead of the mini-auction.