Even before the hammer in the IPL auction of 2023 went down this time, the recently formed successful Gujarat Titans (GT) franchise created news during the trade window itself as the Ahmedabad based franchise had to let go of their most successive captain Hardik Pandya who returned to his previous franchise Mumbai Indians. With everyone speculating Kane Williamson to be next in line ,Gujarat Titans spun in the surprise to go with Indian sensation new age superstar Shubman Gill as captain for the 2024 season. Shubman Gill doesn’t have much experience of leading side.
Gujarat Titans (GT) right from its formative year 2022 is believed in structuring a core team under the able management led by the likes of Ashish Nehra .This formation of team based on process and nurturing young talents to shape them for their future struck striking resemblance with the likes of most successful IPL teams Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) thus making them the most consistent team in the IPL history since 2021 where they won the title in the 1st year of their formation only to continue in the next one.
Gill’s elevation to captaincy could be a reward for his brilliant outing int the IPL last time out. He was the leading run-scorer in IPL 2023, scoring 890 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate of 157.80, including three tons and four half-centuries. He has big shoes to fill since Pandya led to franchise to two consecutive IPL finals, including a maiden title during their inaugural (2022) season.
We believe in Shubman Gill- Ashish Nehra
Gujarat Titans head coach and former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra has backed Shubman Gill to lead Gujarat Titans for IPL 2024. He pointed out that the youngster has improved his game over the last few years. The reaction came weeks after the Titans officially appointed Gill as captain ahead of the 2024 season.
Former Indian left arm quick Ashish Nehra recently told The Times of India:
“IPL is a fast game and it throws challenges for everyone. We have seen how Shubman Gill has been playing for three-four years and how he has shaped up. He is 24-25, but he has a good head on his shoulders. We are there to support him. We believe in him that’s why we have made him the captain,” said Ashish Nehra.
“I am not someone who will always go by results. There are so many other things too. Yes, everyone strives for results. Everyone looks for results. But when it comes to captaincy, you must see different things. We are very confident that Shubman is the right guy.” he added .
Shubman Gill who was elated with this newly added responsibility took to his X (previously Twitter ) and expressed his gratitude towards his coach and the management and expressed his eagerness to lead the Gujarat Titans team to new heights.
“I am proud to assume the Captaincy of Gujarat Titans and I cannot thank the franchise enough for their trust in me to lead such a fine team. Let’s make it memorable! To all the fans… #AavaDe! exclaimed the star Indian sensation,”
Going further Ashish Nehra also revealed why Gujarat Titans splurged ₹7.4 crore cash to recruit Shahrukh Khan. He said:
“We bought Shahrukh Khan because we trusted him, we believed in him and we saw what he could do.” he added
Shahrukh Khan was previously associated with Punjab Kings , who failed to retain him despite entering a bidding war with Gujarat Titans (GT). The right-handed batter has amassed 426 runs in 31 innings at a strike rate of 134.81.
It would be rather interesting to see whether Gujarat Titans team under the leadership of young Shubman Gill and Coach Ashish Nehra keeps up its expectation of being the most impressive franchise despite leaving their most successive captain Hardik Pandya in the upcoming IPL season.
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