The captain of Gujarat Titans (GT), Shubman Gill, recently wrote a message about the team’s experience in IPL 2024. Shubman Gill said he learned a lot during the season and thanked the fans for supporting them. Shubman Gill finished with a decent average of 38.72 and a strike rate of 147.40, accumulating 426 runs in 12 matches this season. This included a match-winning century against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a vital knock in GT’s playoff push.
However, these numbers fell short of his spectacular performance in the previous season, where he secured the coveted Orange Cap. Taking on the captaincy from Hardik Pandya might have added pressure to Gill’s batting. Furthermore, GT struggled to find consistency as a unit throughout the tournament. However, credit must be given to Gill for regaining his form towards the end, with his century against CSK highlighting his talent and ability to deliver under pressure.
What Shubman Gill Said
Gill took to his official X handle to share a note, reflecting on his journey with GT after the team’s final league fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SH) was washed out due to rain on Thursday, May
He wrote,
“Not the way we hoped it would end, but it’s been a season full of learning and some great memories. I’ve been a part of this beautiful family for three years, and it’s been a journey I will never forget. I want to thank all the fans who supported us and showed us love when times were tough. Aava De,!”
It’s noteworthy that Shubman Gill took over as Gujarat’s new captain following Hardik Pandya’s departure, as he was traded to Mumbai Indians (MI). After clinching the title in their debut season in 2022 and finishing as runners-up in 2023, this is the first time GT hasn’t made it to the top four in their short history.
Anil Kumble on Shubman Gill’s captaincy
Anil Kumble, former India Test captain, shared his opinion that Shubman Gill’s performance as captain in IPL 2024 shouldn’t be criticised. He stressed that succeeding in the debut season as a skipper isn’t easy. Kumble also praised Gill for leading Gujarat with an aggressive approach.
Anil Kumble told Jio Cinema,
“It’s never easy coming into an IPL season for the first time leading a side. You are not going to have success the first time around. I know Hardik Pandya had success for GT when he became captain for GT in his first season. But what I like about Shubman Gill in the IPL has been his aggressive approach,”
He further added,
“When he was the captain, he set fields to take wickets. Yes, I know he has Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed, but still, you need to keep those fielders in catching positions. It didn’t work out for them this season. They didn’t qualify. But I’m sure all those experiences would be a learning curve for him, and he will only grow and get better. The more you do it, the better you get. The more experience you get and you will be able to handle those situations much better,”
Gill emerged as one of the key contributors with the bat for his team, concluding as their second-highest run-scorer in IPL 2024.