Sunil Gavaskar believes that the Gujarat Titans (GT) have the potential to qualify for the playoffs once again in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) under the leadership of Shubman Gill and the guidance of Ashish Nehra.
The Gujarat Titans emerged as champions in IPL 2022 and were the runners-up last season. However, they will be without the services of Hardik Pandya this year, as the former captain was traded to the Mumbai Indians ahead of the auction.
Ashish Nehra will be the one who will be holding the reins- Sunil Gavaskar
During a discussion on Star Sports, when asked about the Gujarat Titans’ prospects in IPL 2024 under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, Sunil Gavaskar shared his thoughts,
“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,”
The Titans backed their first title-winning season with another final appearance in last year’s edition but their celebrations were cut short by CSK in the rain-curtailed final.
Difficult to say whether he would be able to have the same impact as Hardik Pandya- Sunil Gavaskar on Shubman Gill
Sunil Gavaskar expressed uncertainty about whether Shubman Gill would be as impactful a leader as Hardik Pandya for the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024.
“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,” said Sunil Gavaskar.
However, Gavaskar highlighted that Shubman Gill’s impressive form with the bat should work in his favor and help him lead the team effectively.
“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.”
In IPL 2023, Shubman Gill won the Orange Cap by scoring 890 runs, which included three centuries and four half-centuries. He maintained an exceptional average of 59.33 and an equally impressive strike rate of 157.80 throughout the season.
How Shubman Gill gels with the other players is going to be the key- Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar believes that Shubman Gill’s relationship with both the young and senior players could be crucial in defining the Gujarat Titans’ season in IPL 2024.
“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,” he stated.
In addition to Ashish Nehra as head coach, the Gujarat Titans boast a lineup of experienced players including Kane Williamson, Rashid Khan, David Miller, Wriddhiman Saha, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Mohit Sharma. Their presence should provide valuable support to Shubman Gill, the first-time captain, on the field.
Also Read: https://goworldwide.co.in/sunil-gavaskar-on-rahmanullah-gurbaz-and-kkr/