Sunil Gavaskar believes the Gujarat Titans (GT) can return to the playoffs in the next Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) under Shubman Gill’s and Ashish Nehra’s leadership.
The Titans won the IPL title in 2022 after finishing second the previous season. However, they will be without Hardik Pandya this year, after the former captain was moved to the Mumbai Indians before to the auction.
During a debate on Star Sports, Gavaskar was asked about the Gujarat Titans’ chances in the IPL 2024 under Gill’s leadership. He responded:
“Over and above, Ashish Nehra will be the one who will be holding the reins. With Ashish Nehra holding the reins and guiding Shubman Gill, I won’t be surprised if the Gujarat Titans once again get into the top four.”
Sunil Gavaskar
The former India opener was unsure if Gill would be as effective a leader as Pandya.
“Shubman Gill, young cricketer, it’s difficult to say whether he would be able to have the same impact that Hardik Pandya had. Shubman Gill was in unbelievable form last year himself.”
Sunil Gavaskar
However, Gavaskar commented that the youngster’s prodigious batting form could serve him well. He explains:
“When a captain is in such good form, he is able to lead also a lot better. With his own place being guaranteed and certain, the rest know that here is a performer and we have got to do what he is asking us to do.”
Sunil Gavaskar
Shubman Gill won the Orange Cap in IPL 2023. Last season, the right-handed opener scored 890 runs, including three hundreds and four half-centuries, for an exceptional average of 59.33 and an equally excellent strike rate of 157.80.
“Shubman Gill is not quite that extrovert as yet but he is not an introvert either” – Sunil Gavaskar on the Gujarat Titans skipper
Sunil Gavaskar believes Shubman Gill’s relationship with the other young and experienced players will define the Gujarat Titans’ season.
“Shubman Gill is not quite that extrovert as yet but he is not an introvert either. So how Shubman Gill gels with the other younger players and also some of the senior players is going to be the key.”
Sunil Gavaskar
Aside from Ashish Nehra as head coach, the Titans’ team includes a number of veteran players including as Kane Williamson, Rashid Khan, David Miller, Wriddhiman Saha, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Mohit Sharma. Their presence should aid the first-time skipper’s case on the pitch.